Reconstruction of infraorbital soft tissue defects with modified rotary-propulsion facial artery perforator flaps

Abstract

Objective To evaluate the outcome of modified rotary-propulsion facial artery perforator flaps for infraorbital defects repair, after facial tumorresection. Methods Between January 2014 and June 2017, 21 patients with midface tumor were treated, including basal cell carcinoma (n=17) and squamous cell carcinoma (n=4). The size of the tumor ranged from 0.8 cm × 2.0 cm to 2.0 cm× 3.5 cm. The extended resection of the tumor tissue was performed, based on the tumor type. Intraoperative frozen specimen was used to make sure no tumor residual at margin or wound base. According to the location and size, anarterial perforator flap was designed to cover the defect.The donor site was closeddirectly. The flap size ranged from 1.5 cm × 3.0 cm to 3.0 cm × 5.0 cm. The length of flap pedicle was 1.0 cm to 2.5 cm. Results All flaps completely survived, with satisfying blood flow.The incisions healed well. After 12 to 36 months follow-up, most scars in the donor site were hidden in nasal buccal sulcus and nasolabial folds. There was no lower eyelid ectropion, eyelid and eyeball separation, oral commissural and nasal distortion. The texture and color of the flap was similar to surrounding skin.The overall appearance is satisfactory. Conclusions The modified rotary-propulsion facial artery perforator flaps, to repair soft tissue defects in infraorbital area, is reasonable and useful. It is characterized by limited tissue damage indonor site, flexible rotation of flaps, and hidden incision scars. More importantly, it can reduce the occurrence of lower eyelid ectropion Key words: Surgical flap; Fascial artery perforator flap; Infraobital area; Tumor