Paramedian forehead flap reconstruction for skin tumors involving central subunit of face: An analysis of 37 cases

Abstract

IntroductionTumors of facial skin are common in upper part of central subunit of face. Defects after resection require a flap, which is pliable, thin, and has a good colour match. Among the various local flaps available paramedian forehead flap is a good option. Patients and methodsPatients reconstructed with paramedian forehead flap during the period from January 2015 to March 2020 were included in the study. Data regarding the demographic, clinical characteristics, and treatment details was recorded, and analyzed for postoperative complications and cosmetic outcomes. ResultsParamedian forehead flap reconstruction was performed in 37 patients who were resected for tumor involving upper central subunit of face. Median age of patients was 57 years. Male to female ratio was 1.4:1. All tumors were resected with a negative margin. Nodal disease was managed by superficial parotidectomy only (4/37), superficial parotidectomy along with supra-omohyoid neck dissection (6/37) and modified neck dissection (1/37). In five patients additional buccal mucosa graft was used to reconstruct conjunctiva. Additional flaps were required in two patients in whom nasolabial and mustarde flaps were used. Partial flap loss occurred in one patient. There was no major flap loss. Surgical site infection developed in only one patient, who had partial flap loss. On subjective assessment, nearly 60% patients described their appearance as good. ConclusionFacial reconstruction in area of dorsum of nose and medial aspect of both eyelids using paramedian forehead flaps is a simple and quick procedure.