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Updated: Jun 1, 2025

The Three-Dimensional Human Skin Reconstruct Model: a Tool to Study Normal Skin and Melanoma Progression
Published on: August 3, 2011
Reconstruction of Back Defect from Giant Congenital Melanocytic Nevus Using Dermal Substitute Matrix
Kareem W Makkawi1, Paul T Beaineh1, Saif E Emsieh1
1From the Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, American University of Beirut Medical Center, Beirut, Lebanon.
Abstract:
Giant congenital melanocytic nevi are large pigmented premalignant lesions present at birth that have an associated risk of malignant transformation. Full-thickness excision of these lesions would be required to eliminate this risk. However, giant nevi can leave behind large defects that can be challenging to reconstruct. We present the case of a pediatric patient with a lesion occupying the entirety of the back, or around 18% total body surface area, and in whom Integra and meshed skin grafts were successfully used. This represents the largest defect size in the literature resulting from a giant nevus that has been treated by this method. Full take of the skin grafts was observed 26 days from the excision of the lesion with satisfactory functional outcomes.
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