The contralateral subgaleal sliding flap for the single-stage reconstruction of large defects of the temple and lateral forehead

Abstract

Due to the relative lack of a mobile tissue reservoir, the flap repair of large defects of the temple and lateral forehead is challenging. To present our experience of the contralateral subgaleal sliding (CLASS) flap for the single-stage aesthetic repair of such defects. Data were collated on all patients at one regional Mohs centre in whom the CLASS flap had been performed since 2011. The CLASS flap was performed on 16 patients (11 male, five female) with an average age of 63years (range 42-90). The average defect size was 2·8×3·1cm. A single case of postoperative infection occurred, which settled with appropriate therapy with no adverse sequelae. All patients rated their outcome as good or excellent. The CLASS flap is a reliable, aesthetic, single-stage reconstructive technique for large defects of the lateral forehead and temple.