Reconstruction of large facial defects using a combination of forehead flap and other procedures
- Author:
Ryuck Seong KIM
1
;
Changryul YI
;
Hoon Soo KIM
;
Ho Yoon JEONG
;
Yong Chan BAE
Author Information
- Publication Type:Original Article
- From:Archives of Craniofacial Surgery 2022;23(1):17-22
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
Background:Reconstruction of large facial defects is challenging as both functional and cosmetic results must be considered. Reconstruction with forehead flaps on the face is advantageous; nonetheless, reconstruction of large defects with forehead flaps alone results in extensive scarring on the donor site. In our study, the results of reconstruction using a combination of forehead flaps and other techniques for large facial defects were evaluated.
Methods:A total of 63 patients underwent reconstructive surgery using forehead flaps between February 2005 and June 2020 at our institution. Reconstruction of a large defect with forehead flaps alone has limitations; because of this, 22 patients underwent a combination of procedures and were selected as the subjects of this study. This study was retrospectively conducted by reviewing the patients’ medical records. Additional procedures included orbicularis oculi musculocutaneous (OOMC) V-Y advancement flap, cheek advancement flap, nasolabial V-Y advancement flap, grafting, and simultaneous application of two different techniques. Flap survival, complications, and recurrence of skin cancer were analyzed. Patient satisfaction was evaluated using questionnaires.
Results:Along with reconstructive surgery using forehead flaps, nasolabial V-Y advancement flap was performed in nine patients, local advancement flap in three, OOMC V-Y advancement flap in two, grafting in five, and two different techniques in three patients. No patient developed flap loss; however, cancer recurred in two patients. The overall patient satisfaction was high.
Conclusion:Reconstruction with a combination of forehead flaps and other techniques for large facial defects can be considered as both functionally and cosmetically reliable.
