Subunit reconstruction of the chin

Abstract

Large defects of the chin pad can be resurfaced with a two-stage unit flap taken from the submental excess. Additional skin and subcutaneous fat can be included in the flap, de-epithelialized, and infolded to augment chin projection and restore bulk in deeper defects. The cervical donor site is closed by side-to-side advancement after subcutaneous and subplatysmal fat excision and platysmal plication and skin Z-plasty. The chin unit is resurfaced with matching facial skin, hiding scars along the unit join and minimizing the adverse effects of pin-cushioning. The scars and contour of the cervical donor site are quite acceptable.