J Maxillofac Oral Surg. 2026 Aug;25(4):1018-1022. doi: 10.1007/s12663-025-02710-1. Epub 2025 Dec 4.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: To assess the esthetic and functional outcomes of reconstructing small cutaneous nasal tip defects with fat graft transfer.

METHODS: Under local anesthesia, fat graft transfer was performed in nine patients affected by non-melanoma skin cancer of the nasal tip to fill surgical gap. A NAFEQ questionnaire was submitted to all patients to verify nasal function and appearance.

RESULTS: The surgery was uneventful in all cases. In most of the patients (8 of 9 patients), the adipose tissue graft remained vital and re-epithelization started from the edges of the resected area. In three patients, a hematoma in the donor site was observed. All patients were satisfied of esthetical appearance of the nasal tip and of the nasal function.

CONCLUSIONS: The fat tissue graft is a good reconstruction option because it gives both good esthetic and functional results, and it can be performed also in elderly patients with many comorbidities.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s12663-025-02710-1.

PMID:42528896 | PMC:PMC13415733 | DOI:10.1007/s12663-025-02710-1