Reconstruction of nasal defects with implant-retained nasal prostheses.

Predictable biomechanical retention of nasal prostheses can now be achieved using Brånemark osseointegrated implants. These prostheses are tissue compatible, simple in design and easy to place, can be worn independently of spectacles and can in the majority of cases be provided soon after surgical excision. We have treated 14 patients (30 implants) 8 of whom had the implants placed at the time of surgical excision of the tumour. The longest survival so far has been 62 months (mean 38 months). Craniofacial osseointegration changes patients' perceptions of a nasal prosthesis and improves quality of life. Initial reconstructive surgery after radical nasal excision should be limited to reconstruction of the upper lip and preparation of the surgical defect for an implant-retained prosthesis.