Clinical efficacy of subcutaneous pedicle flap in functional and cosmetic reconstruction on facial defects

Abstract

Objective To introduce the experience and comprehension of application of subcutaneous pedicle skin flap in repair of facial defects. Methods From July 2005 to July 2015, the different kinds of subcutaneous pedicle flaps were used to repair skin defect of the facial lesions in 257 patients, including the flaps with subcutaneous adipose tissue pedicle, with the orbicularis oculi muscle pedicle and with superficial musculoaponeurotic system pedicle, through advancement, rotation or subcutaneous tunnel transfer ways. Results After operation, 255 cases survived with primary healing except for two patients with partial flap necrosis; 177 cases were followed up from 3 to 60 months, and all were satisfaied with natural repaired tissue that matched well with surrounding tissue at color, texture, contour, and so on. Conclusions Following the principles of the zonation repair in face, it can obtain satisfactory facial contour and cosmetic effect for patients with facial defects by using one or more subcutaneous pedicle flaps. Key words: Subcutaneous pedicle flap; Facial defect; Reconstruction