Facial Plast Surg 2013; 29(05): 346-350
DOI: 10.1055/s-0033-1353374
Thieme Medical Publishers 333 Seventh Avenue, New York, NY 10001, USA.

Role of Secondary Intention Healing

P. Daniel Ward
1   Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Division of Otolaryngology—Head and Neck Surgery, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, Utah
,
Nyall London
1   Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Division of Otolaryngology—Head and Neck Surgery, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, Utah
,
Ryan Collar
2   Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Department of Otolaryngology, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, Ohio
› Author Affiliations
Further Information

Publication History

Publication Date:
13 September 2013 (online)

Abstract

Secondary intention wound healing is a simple, yet powerful tool in facial reconstruction. Considered as the most elementary form of wound reconstruction, it is often unused because of concern about the predictability of the result and the desire for immediate reconstruction. Secondary intention wound healing can successfully be used for reconstruction of defects for patients who may not be candidates for involved surgical procedures and should be considered an ideal form of reconstruction for certain defects. In general, superficial defects located in concave areas lead to the best results. Proper wound care, including keeping the wound clean and moist, is a simple, but important, aspect of result optimization. Avoiding the use of secondary intention healing on facial anatomic sites known to produce poor results minimizes complications. Complications encountered may include ectropion, nasal obstruction, alar retraction, alopecia, and poor cosmesis.

 
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