Subcutaneous Pedicle Limberg Flap for Facial Reconstruction

Abstract

A residual dog-ear arising from the traditional Limberg flap transposition sometimes influences the cosmetic outcomes, and the Limberg flap with a subcutaneous pedicle is an innovation applicable to a variety of facial defects and free from the dog-ear. To investigate the outcome of the subcutaneous pedicle Limberg flap for the reconstruction of medium-sized facial skin defects. From August 2002 to June 2004, the subcutaneous pedicle Limberg flap was designed to repair facial skin defects in 17 patients (19 flaps), and the size of the lesions ranged from 2.0 x 1.9 cm to 5.0 x 4.5 cm. All flaps survived with primary healing postoperatively. The patients were followed up from 1 to 22 months, and functionally and cosmetically satisfactory outcomes were achieved. This subcutaneous pedicle Limberg flap provides a competitive repair alternative for the treatment of medium-sized skin defects in the face.