Superficial temporal artery based flaps for reconstruction of postburn scar facial defects

Abstract

The facial tissues restoration for cicatricial defects after burns and injuries is one of the complex problems of reconstructive surgery. Preformed flaps are not widely used because of the complicated application, frequent complications and uncertain postoperative effect.The aim — to improve the results of surgical treatment in patients with postburn facial deformities with superficial temporal artery and the superficial fascia based expanded flaps in the neck region.Materials and methods. The study included 3 patients with total and subtotal face scar deformities. Expanded flaps from intact anterolateral areas of the neck with based on superficial temporal artery with the superficial fascia were applied. The defects of the face were closed for 5 — 6 weeks after the flap’s formation.Results and discussion. There was complete flap survival in 3 cases. Venous congestion was observed in 1 case. In another 1 case, due to necrosis and retractor prolapse, flap formation was stopped. The possibility of neck flaps pre­formation based on the superficial temporal artery and the superficial fascia was shown.Conclusions. The method of flaps pre­formation in the neck area improves their blood supply, and pre­expansion increases the amount of plasty material. The best vascular supply for the neck flaps formation is the superficial temporal artery and the superficial fascia. The use of preformed flaps allows the substitution of large subtotal or total facial defects.