Functional Subunit Reconstruction of Giant Facial Congenital Melanocytic Nevi in Children With the Use of Matriderm and Skin Graft: Surgical Experience and Literature Review.

Introduction

Facial giant congenital melanocytic nevus represents a major cosmetic deformity for the child and parents and is a challenge for the plastic surgeons to achieve best cosmetic results. Herein, we present a case of single-stage surgical reconstruction using partial-thickness scalp skin graft aided with Matriderm dermal substitute for a facial giant congenital melanocytic nevus.

Methods

An 8-year-old boy presented with a facial giant congenital melanocytic nevus without leptomeningeal involvement. A single-stage complete excision of the nevus was performed. A split-thickness skin graft, 12/1000-inch thick, was then harvested from the anterior scalp region for reconstruction. A 1-mm Matriderm dermal substitute was first applied, on which functional subunit skin graft was then secured to cover the defect. Eyelid reconstruction was reconstructed separately using full-thickness postauricular skin grafts.

Results

Histopathology of the excised specimen confirmed the diagnosis of congenital melanocytic nevus, with no evidence of melanoma. The donor area healed with a favorable scar and no donor site morbidity or complications such as alopecia or hypertrophic scar. The postoperative result was satisfactory with minimal residual nevus around the eye, and the patient was fully satisfied with the cosmetic and functional results. Discussion and

Conclusions

Resection of facial congenital melanocytic nevi, followed by single-stage reconstruction using Matriderm and skin graft from the scalp, is an excellent and fast reconstructive method with promising aesthetic outcomes and greater improvement in physiological outcome, especially in the pediatric population.