The congenital melanocytic nevi of the face in child: What's new?

• Published in: Revue de stomatologie, de chirurgie maxillo-faciale et de chirurgie orale Vol. 116; no. 4; p. 187
• Main Author: Captier, G
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: French
• Published: France 01.09.2015
• Subjects: Child; Child, Preschool; Diagnosis, Differential; Face - pathology; Face - surgery; Humans; Infant; Infant, Newborn; Nevus, Pigmented - classification; Nevus, Pigmented - congenital; Nevus, Pigmented - diagnosis; Nevus, Pigmented - therapy; Reconstructive Surgical Procedures - methods; Skin Neoplasms - classification; Skin Neoplasms - congenital; Skin Neoplasms - diagnosis; Skin Neoplasms - therapy; Skin Transplantation; Surgical Flaps; Nævus mélanocytaire; Congenital facial neoplasm; Technique de chirurgie reconstructive; Pigmented nevus; Reconstructive surgical procedures; Lésions congénitales de la face; Mélanose neurocutanée; Neurocutaneous melanosis
• ISSN: 2213-6541
• DOI: 10.1016/j.revsto.2015.06.008

Congenital melanocytic nevi of the face are a frequent reason for consultation in paediatric plastic surgery. Usually of small size, they raise a complex problem of reconstruction when they are large and giant. The indication of excision is generally stated on aesthetic criteria whereas the risk of melanoma is especially important in the giant nevi. Simple suture, full thickness skin graft and expanded skin flaps are the techniques of choice. The treatment must be carried out precociously, follow a surgical planning, respect the aesthetic units of the face and the periorificial areas, adapt to the age of the child and bring psychological benefit to the child.