Clinical application of the pre-expanded propeller flap based on the perforators of the supratrochlear artery or the supraorbital artery

Abstract

Objective To investigate the feasibility and technical tips of repairing facial defects with pre-expanded propeller flap based on the perforators of the supratrochlear artery or the supraorbital artery. Methods In the first-stage operation, a tissue expander was buried underneath the frontalis muscle. The second-stage operation was conducted using pre-expanded supratrochlear artery or the supraorbital artery based propeller flap to repair facial defect. Results From July 2010 to July 2016, this method was used in 8 patients. 5 flaps were based on the supratrochlear artery, and 3 flaps based on the supraorbital artery. Expander size was ranged from 150 ml to 300 ml. The size of propeller flaps was from 10 cm × 6 cm to 15 cm × 13 cm. All the flaps survived without any major complications. Follow-up period ranged from 3 to 36 months. Eyebrow replacement, flap thinning and scar revision were performed in 6 cases. All patients were satisfied with the final aesthetic result. Conclusions The pre-expanded propeller flap based on the supratrochlear artery or the supraorbital artery is an alternative option to repair the facial defect in appropriate cases. Key words: Supraorbital artery; Supratrochlear artery; Soft tissue expansion; Perforator flap; Propeller flap