Combined CO2 and dye laser technique in the treatment of outcomes due to flap necrosis after surgery for basal cell carcinoma on the nose.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is the most frequent cutaneous cancer worldwide, and the nasal area is the most commonly affected region. Skin flaps are usually performed to achieve radical results, but various adverse events often occur. The necrosis of the skin flap is one of the most frequently observed, resulting in scars and anti-aesthetic outcomes. Ablative and non-ablative lasers have been proposed to improve scars resulting from surgical failure and skin flap necrosis. STUDY DESIGN/MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study aims to evaluate a new laser protocol combining ablative CO2 -laser with flashlamp pulsed dye laser for the treatment of nasal scars resulting from the necrosis of flap that occurred after surgery. Twelve patients were enrolled in the study, and a total of five laser sessions were planned, spaced from 14 days to 1 month apart. RESULTS: Seven out of 12 patients underwent all the five laser sessions planned, while 5/12 patients achieved optimal cosmetic results within the fourth session. Eighty percent of the patients reported good/optimal cosmetic results, and no significant side effects were observed during the study. CONCLUSION: Combining fractionated CO2 laser with flashlamp pulsed dye laser represents a new effective modality for treating skin flap necrosis after BBC removal, representing a valid alternative to other surgical procedures.