The therapeutic effect of expanded scalp flaps pedicled with superficial temporal vessel for reconstruction of large facial defects

Abstract

Objective To investigate the therapeutic outcome of expanded scalp flaps pedicled with superficial temporal vessel for the reconstruction of large facial defects. Method From Dec 2014 to Oct 2016, 10 cases with large facial skin defects were treated with expanded scalp flaps pedicled with superficial temporal vessel and delayed laser hair removal.Extra expanded scalp flaps were collected as experimental groups. Normal skin(forehead, temporal scalp, cheek, upper eyelid, lower eyelid and nasal dorsum)of 10 cases were collected for control, to compare skin thickness.All patients were followed at least 6 months. Results There was no significant difference of skin thickness between the expanded scalp flaps and cheek, forehead, nasal dorsum skin(P>0.05). But upper eyelid and lower eyelids skin was significantly thinner than other local skin tissuein controls, and expanded scalp flap (P<0.05). The expanded scalp flap matched well with surrounding tissues in color, texture and thickness. Conclusions It is a good option to repair large facial skin defects with expanded scalp flaps, pedicled with superficial temporal vessel, and laser hair removal, though its shortcoming in eyelid skin defect repairment. Key words: Soft tissue expanded scalp flaps; Skin thickness; Facial; Skin defects