Application of muscle pedicled platysma myocutaneous flap in the reconstruction of buccal mucosa defects

Abstract

This study aimed to explore the main features and advantages of the muscle pedicled platysma myocutaneous flap (PMF), the degree of improvement of flap harvest. To evaluate the application value of the flap in the reconstruction of buccal mucosa carcinoma defects. Twenty-three patients received PMF with MacFee incision to reconstruct buccal mucosa defects that were caused by the resection of precancer lesions and benign and malignant tumors from August 2012 to April 2015. When elevating the cervical skin from the platysma, most of the subcutaneous tissue was preserved on the muscle. The continuity of the facial vessels was retained. The external jugular vein was preserved on the reverse side of the platysma. Twenty-one flaps survived completely, whereas the other two flaps presented partial skin loss. Two patients showed disturbed wound healing in the neck. Secondary healing was achieved after attentive wound care. All patients were followed up from 11 to 43 months. The function of the recipient sites recovered well. Except for the two patients with large-area scarring in the neck, the remaining cases presented satisfactory neck contours. No relapses were observed during the follow-up period. Compared with the traditional PMF, the muscle pedicled PMF provides a larger skin paddle and presents a better aesthetic and functional effect. Thus, this approach is a novel and ideal option for the restoration of buccal mucosa defects.