Facial Artery Perforator Flap Research Articles

Facial Artery Perforator Flap for Perioral and Perinasal Oncologic Defect Reconstruction: Surgical Technique and Postoperative Outcomes.

Facial artery perforator (FAP) flap is a versatile and reliable one-step facial reconstruction technique. However, its full potential remains underutilized due to a lack of clear guidelines and rigorous technique requirements. This study report the use of FAP flaps in our centre for the management of perioral and nasal oncologic defects, focusing on surgical technique performed and post-operative management. We conducted a retrospective review of all patients who underwent reconstruction with a perioral or perinasal FAP flap only following tumor resection over a 4-year period (n = 29). Parameters measured included flap survival, complication rates, surgical technique performed, and the need for touch-up procedures. Patients were grouped based on age, defect size, and location and outcomes were compared across these groups. The mean histological tumor defect area was 331 mm2. During at least 6 months of follow-up, no local recurrence was observed. Twenty-seven (93.1%) flaps survived completely. Major postsurgical complications occurred in seven (23.8%) patients, including complete flap necrosis (1), partial flap necrosis (1), flap collapse (1), venous congestion (1), wound dehiscence (1), and local infection (2). A higher complication rate was associated with nose tip defects (80.0% vs. 12.5%, p = 0.007). Touch-up procedures were more frequently required for reconstructions involving the nasal sidewall and dorsum (53.8% vs. 13.3%, p = 0.04). Based on our experience, the FAP flap is highly effective for the reconstruction of the upper lip, nasolabial fold, and certain oncologic nasal defects. However, specific defect locations, such as the nose tip, may be associated with higher complication rates, necessitating careful patient selection and surgical planning.

Perforator-based local flaps for cutaneous facial reconstruction

BackgroundDespite the advancement of reconstructive surgical techniques, facial defect reconstruction has been always very challenging, aesthetic satisfaction has often been difficult to achieve due to the unique characteristics and complexity of the facial tissue. There have been various options regarding reconstruction and compensation of soft tissue loss all over the body rather than the face. Regardless of whether skin grafts, local flaps, and free flaps were used in the reconstruction process, each of them has its limitations. Beginning with skin grafts results could not always be satisfactory due to contracture, color, and lack of texture Additionally, local flaps have limitations due to mobility and the availability of overlapping skin and tissue, as well as the bulkiness of the pedicle which may need a second staged surgery and lately the difficulty of the free flaps and being a major surgery.ResultsPatients ages ranged between 23 and 77 years old, with a mean age of 58.33 ± 12.47. As regards the patients’ sex, 63.3% of our patients were males and 36.7% were females. Co-morbidities were found in 60% of cases (DM 23.3%, HTN 20%, HCV 3.3%, cardiac 3.3%).Most flaps were facial artery perforator flaps 53.3%, then transverse facial artery 26.7%, superficial temporal artery 10%, angular artery 6.7%, and supra-trochlear artery 3.3%.Twenty-ix cases representing 86.7% of cases went uneventful, while complications showed in 4 cases representing 13.3% of cases, 1 case (3.3%) showed venous congestion that was relieved within 24 h after 2 suture releases, another case (3.3%) showed wound dehiscence that was improved after 2 days with regular dressings, the third patient (3.3%) had recurrence after 4 months that was treated by excision and grafting, while last patient (3.3%) had inadequate excision that was treated by radiotherapy. No bleeding or infection occurred. Also, we observed no correlation between flap length and complications. As regards the functional point of view, all patients showed no functional impairment at the donor site, and only one case showed functional impairment at the recipient site.As regards patient satisfaction, all 30 patients achieved positive satisfaction scores using the Likert scale, 18 cases were satisfied, and 12 cases were very satisfied.ConclusionThe use of perforator-based flaps can provide a more effective and aesthetically pleasing solution for the reconstruction of small to moderate facial defects, provided that a reliable Perforator is accurately identified and executed by an experienced surgeon.

The Facial Artery Perforator Flap for Reconstruction of Facial Defects: Surgical Pearls and Clinical Series.

Based on the knowledge of facial vascularity, facial artery perforator flaps could be used as potent tools for facial defect reconstruction. However, lack of experience and misconception of this technique limits the broad application in the clinical background. Here, we discussed surgical techniques based on our previous experience with facial artery perforator (FAP)-based facial defect reconstruction. A retrospective review of 12 patients undergoing facial defect reconstruction using an FAP flap was performed, including 8 defects in the mid-facial part and 4 defects in the nasal area generally resulted from basal cell carcinoma (8 patients), squamous cell carcinoma (3 patients), and actinic keratosis (one patient). All patients received one-stage FAP flap reconstruction. The overall follow-up period was 6 to 12 months. All reconstructions were successful with satisfactory patient-reported outcome and no local recurrence. No significant complications were observed in most cases, except for one instance of partial flap loss. Overall, taking advantage of FAP flaps will contribute to a good functional and esthetic outcome of facial defect reconstructions.

Hotspots of facial artery perforators and perforasomes for easier flap guidance: An anatomical study

BackgroundThe facial artery perforator flap is a valuable alternative for reconstruction of small to medium defects in the central midface and provide pleasing cosmetic results, allowing reconstruction in a one-stage procedure. Since Doppler ultrasound is not applicable to distinguish perforator from source artery, anatomical studies are needed to identify perforator areas along the course of the facial artery. MethodsTwenty facial arteries of 10 fresh anatomical head specimens were dissected. All perforators with an outer diameter of at least 0.50 mm were identified and injected with dye to color their respective vascular territories. Size and location of colored skin territories as well as the location of its perforators were documented and statistically analyzed. ResultsIn total, 89 perforators were identified. The average number of perforators per facial artery was 4.45±1.15. The mean outer diameter of the perforator at the origin of the facial artery was 0,65±0.14 mm. The mean size of the colored skin territories was 577.57±488.81 mm2. Perforator diameters were significantly associated with the size of its resulting perforasomes. Furthermore, perforators mostly originated in two specific areas: 3.5 cm lateral and caudal and 4.5 cm lateral and 5.5 cm caudal of the anterior nasal spine. ConclusionThis study provides evidence of two predominant locations of emergence of facial artery perforators. Additionally, the significant correlation between perforator size and its appendant perforasomes as well as their location with reference to the anterior nasal spine as relevant osseous landmarks helps surgeons in decision making for flap design and surgery.

Application of Facial Artery Perforator Flap in Nasal and Perinasal Reconstruction.

This paper reports the results of an observational study in 23 patients to evaluate the application of the facial artery perforator flap in nasal and perinasal reconstruction after skin cancer surgery. In the long term, all flaps survived, and the patients achieved satisfactory esthetic reconstruction without functional alterations or major complications. Immediately postoperatively, 2 flaps presented early venous congestion, and 1 had minor superficial skin necrosis that healed without additional intervention. In 3 cases, it was combined with a second simultaneous local flap for synchronous or extensive skin tumors. The facial artery perforator flap is a reliable and versatile option that can be considered the preferred alternative for single-stage restorations of complex small to medium-sized nasal and perinasal defects that allow reconstruction of both external and internal nasal structures.

The Facial Artery Perforator Flap.

Reconstruction of facial melanoma defects can be challenging. Large defects of the midface, cheek, and nasolabial fold are often reconstructed using a cervicofacial flap which requires significant flap elevation and undermining. Surgeons are often hesitant to commit to such a large reconstruction without definitive pathologic evidence of negative margins. However, local perforator flaps may be used as an alternative to large flaps with less dissection and donor site morbidity and may also allow for more facile re-advancement in the event of a positive margin on final pathology. The goal of this study is to evaluate a perforator flap based on the facial artery to determine if it is a safe and cosmetically favorable option to immediately repair oncologic-related defects on the cheek and midface. A retrospective review of all melanoma cases performed by the senior author between January 2016 and December 2021 was conducted. Patients who underwent reconstruction using a facial artery perforator flap were included. Sixteen patients were included in our cohort. The average age was 67.3 years and 53% (n=8) were female. Fourteen patients had the primary defect located on the cheek, 1 from the nasolabial fold, and 1 from the distal nasal sidewall. All patients received immediate reconstruction. Excisional margins ranged from 0.5 to 2cm. Two patients had positive margins following pathology results with one undergoing treatment with imiquimod and the other opting for re-excision. No complications involving the defect or donor site were reported after an average follow-up time of 113.8 days. The facial artery perforator flap is a safe and cosmetically favorable option to immediately repair oncologic-related defects on the cheek and midface.

Combined Tripier and V-Y Advancement Flaps for Reconstruction of Large Lid-cheek Junction Defects

Reconstruction of lid-cheek junction defects has a known risk of ectropion. Cervicofacial flaps require significant dissection and can still be prone to ectropion. V-Y advancement flaps have been described as less morbid, but their use is limited to moderate-size defects that do not involve the lid margin. The authors present a technique of combined Tripier and V-Y advancement flaps for reconstruction of large defects of the lid-cheek junction involving the lower eyelid. A retrospective review of patients undergoing the authors' technique was performed. A facial artery perforator flap was designed in a V-Y fashion and advanced into the cheek. An orbicularis oculi myocutaneous flap (Tripier flap) was elevated from the upper eyelid and rotated into the lower eyelid/upper cheek to meet the superior edge of the V-Y flap. A separate review of patients undergoing cervicofacial flap reconstruction was also performed. Demographics, operative details, and complications were recorded and compared. This technique was applied to five patients with large-size (19.9 ± 5.6 cm2) defects of the lid-cheek. In all cases, healing was achieved without ectropion, hematoma, infection, dehiscence, flap necrosis, or facial nerve injury. Twenty-four patients separately underwent cervicofacial flap reconstruction for defects of comparable size (15.8 ± 10.7 cm2). Two patients developed ectropion, one patient developed a hematoma, and two patients developed an infection. Combined Tripier and V-Y advancement flaps is a useful technique to reconstruct lid-cheek junction defects. This method allows for the reconstruction of large lid-cheek junction defects that involve the lid margin.

A new lower eyelid reconstruction using transverse facial artery perforator flap based on an anatomical study

With the ageing of the global society, the demand for lower eyelid reconstruction following malignant skin tumour resection is increasing. For decades, flaps that require excessive dissection have been used to reconstruct relatively large lower eyelid defects. A new, less invasive option is needed for elderly patients. We present a new surgical technique using a transverse facial artery perforator flap. Records of 11 patients who underwent lower eyelid reconstruction with transverse facial artery perforator flaps after malignant skin tumour resection were reviewed. The mean age of the patients was 85.7±6.7 years. Six patients underwent surgery under local anaesthesia and five under general anaesthesia. Malignant skin tumours were resected with 4-10mm of the surrounding skin, depending on the tumour type. An ipsilateral transverse facial artery perforator flap was raised to cover the defect. Primary reconstructions were achieved in all cases. The median follow-up period was 13 (range, 9-33) months. Two minor complications occurred during the follow-up period: pyogenic granuloma (n=1) and temporary ocular pain and conjunctivitis (n=1). The incidence of complications and the results of the functional and aesthetic evaluation based on the modified patient-reported outcome measure showed no significant differences between the two different anaesthesia groups. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report to describe the use of a transverse facial artery perforator flap for lower eyelid reconstruction. The flap may be an effective option for lower eyelid reconstruction in elderly patients to achieve good functional and aesthetic outcomes with low risk and minimal invasion.

A reverse facial artery perforator flap for partial thickness defect at the lateral upper lip: Technical note

The reliability of the facial artery perforator's flap allowing freestyle design flaps for facial reconstruction is promising for one-stage upper lip repair This article describes the coverage of a large defect of the lip with a paramodiolus flap based on a reverse flow of the facial artery perforator. This technique was performed on a 65-year-old man who presented with basal cell carcinoma of the upper lateral lip. Its excision has created a cutaneous defect that was repaired with a paramodiolus flap based on the facial artery perforator. The donor site was situated in the beard skin adjacent to the upper lateral lip defects. Based on the anatomical knowledge, the perforator was not skeletonized, and carried in the subcutaneous layer of the flap. The coverage of the defect after transposing the flap with a rotational arc has led to perfect lip morphology with a natural hair pattern.

The evolution of facial artery perforator flap for midface reconstruction with preoperative ultrasound examination

The evolution of facial artery perforator flap for midface reconstruction with preoperative ultrasound examination

Postoperative Outcomes of Local Skin Flaps Used in Oncologic Reconstructive Surgery of the Upper Cutaneous Lip: A Systematic Review.

Despite many options for upper lip reconstruction, each method's advantages and disadvantages are unclear. To summarize complications and functional and aesthetic outcomes of localized skin flaps for oncological reconstruction of the upper cutaneous lip (PROSPERO CRD42020157244). The search was conducted in Ovid MEDLINE, Ovid EMBASE, and CENTRAL on December 14, 2019. Two reviewers screened 2,958 results for eligibility. Bias assessment was conducted using ROBINS-I criteria. Our search identified 12 studies reporting outcomes of V-Y advancement, ergotrid, rotation, Karapandzic, alar crescent, and propeller facial artery perforator flaps. Flap complications (infection, hemorrhage/hematoma, wound dehiscence, and flap necrosis) ranged from 0% to 7.69%. Functional outcomes (salivary continence, microstomia, and paresthesia) were poorest for Karapandzic flaps. Aesthetic outcomes, when reported, stated satisfaction rates greater than 90%. V-Y advancement flaps reported the highest rates of poor scarring (0%-20%) and need for revision surgery (0%-46.7%). Our results provide dermatologic surgeons an overview of upper cutaneous lip flap outcomes reported in the literature. In general, we noted high patient satisfaction rates and low complication rates. Additional research into outcomes of other commonly used flaps is needed. Standardization of reported outcomes could allow further comparison across different flaps or across studies of the same flap.

Perforasomes of the facial artery

BackgroundThe facial artery perforator flap is a valuable alternative for reconstruction of small to medium defects in the central midface. Not only does it provide pleasing cosmetic results, it also allows reconstruction in a one‐stage procedure. Even though facial artery perforators have been examined by anatomical studies during the past years, there is still little knowledge of the vascular territories provided by these vessels. Aiming to make facial artery perforator flaps a plannable and safer procedure, this study examines the location and size of the vascular territories provided by facial artery perforators.Material and methods20 facial arteries of fresh specimen have been dissected. All perforators with an external diameter of at least 0,50 mm have been identified and injected with Methylene blue‐ or Eosin Y‐solutions to color their appendant vascular territories. All colored skin territories have been photographed, digitalized and measured. Their location, as well as the location of the perforating vessels, has been shown. All results were statistically analyzed.Results95 perforators with an external diameter of at least 0,50 mm have been identified. The average number of perforators per facial artery was 4,75. The mean external diameter at the origin of the facial artery was 0,64 ± 0,14 mm. The mean size of the colored skin territories was 5,62 ± 4,83 cm2. There was a statistical correlation between perforator diameter and the size of its vascular territory.ConclusionTwo areas have been shown in which facial artery perforators originate frequently. Their location has been described in relation to a bone structure. Size and shape of the vascular territories show a high variability with regions of increased density. The graphical illustration of the location of the facial artery perforators and their vascular territories can help making facial artery perforator flaps a better plannable procedure.

Individualized design of facial artery perforator flap for reconstruction of soft tissue defects in the midface

Objective To explore the clinical application of individualized design of facial artery perforator flap for the repair of midfacial defect caused by tumor resection. Methods From January 2015 to January 2018, a total of 36 cases of midfacial defect were repaired by individualized designed facial artery. Flaps were designed and harvested according to the location and size of the midfacial defect resulted from tumor resection, including propeller flaps, droplet flaps and swallowtail-shape flaps. Flap size was between 1.3 cm × 1.6 cm and 2.0 cm × 4.2 cm with the donor site being sutured in the first stage. Results During the 6 months to 3 years of postoperative follow-up, no tumor recurred. All the 36 cases of individualized designed facial artery perforator flaps survived well. Furthermore, flaps being designed according to the wound defect had a good appearance, the flaps matched the color and texture of the surrounding skin and had a favorable appearance. Besides, flaps had a certain degree of sensory recovery while there was no obvious scarring presented in the donor area. Conclusions Individualized design of facial artery perforator flap has great advantages of simple and flexible, easy manipulation, reliable flap blood flow and minimal donor injury, which render it valuable for clinical application. Key words: Reconstructive surgical procedures; Perforator flap; Facial artery; Facial tumor; Reconstruction

The Facial Artery Perforator Flap as a New Option for Reconstruction of Intraoral Defects: Surgical Tips and Clinical Series.

The authors have recently 1st described the use of the facial artery perforator flap (FAP) for intraoral reconstruction. In this study, they discuss technical notes and surgical tips associated with the procedure and the application of this flap in 4 patients with intraoral defects resulting from cancer or osteoradionecrosis. A retrospective study of 4 consecutive patients was performed on all patients who underwent reconstruction of an intraoral defect with a FAP flap, over a 12-month period from March 2017 to March 2018.The flap was designed according to the size of the defect centered on the perforator and was tunneled intraorally by means of a 90° rotation or advanced medially. The most constantly encountered perforator 1.5 cm lateral to the oral commissure was used in 3 cases; a cranial perforator was selected in 1 patient. Four FAP flaps were used in 4 patients with intraoral defects. Follow-up was 6 to 12 months. Median defect size was 9.15 cm (range, 3.4-21.5 cm). All reconstructions were successful, without major flap loss or infections. One patient with severe osteoradionecrosis and fungal infection developed minor flap loss and dehiscence, which was treated conservatively. There were no signs of local recurrence and functional outcomes were satisfactory. The FAP flap is an effective and versatile solution for reconstruction of intraoral defects until 5 cm × 4 cm (20 cm) without significant donor-site morbidity. It may be considered a new reconstructive option for intraoral defects, which warrants further study in a larger series or patients.

Subunit Reconstruction of Mid-Facial Defects With Free Style Facial Perforator Flaps.

Reconstruction of facial defects is not only important for cosmesis but also for the function. Local flaps are considered the best reconstruction method for facial defects. The authors want to show the feasibility of free style facial perforator flap for the reconstruction of moderate sized mid-facial defects. Free style facial artery and lateral nasal artery perforator flaps were performed in 22 patients (11 males and 11 females) who had removal of facial tumor between March 2015 and December 2016 RESULTS:: The median age of patients was 62 years (range: 35-84). The mean follow-up period was 12.6 months (range: 5-24). Pathology results were basal cell carcinoma in 13 patients, squamous cell carcinoma in 6 patients, and other skin tumors in 3 patients. The defect size ranged from 2 × 2 to 5 × 5 cm. No major or minor complication happened but 1 flap had venous congestion that healed without any intervention CONCLUSION:: Free style facial perforator flaps are highly reliable flaps with wide range of motion. In addition, they provide single-stage closure with esthetic subunit reconstruction. With the current knowledge of reconstruction and skills of microsurgery, they can be easily the first choice for the closure of mid-facial defects.

Propeller facial artery perforator flap for repairing defect after resection of skin malignant tumor at upper lip

To explore the effectiveness of propeller facial artery perforator flap to repair the defect after resection of skin malignant tumor at upper lip. Between July 2012 and January 2017, 17 cases with skin malignant tumor at upper lip underwent tumor resection and the remained defect was repaired with propeller facial artery perforator flap. Among the 17 patients, 3 were male and 14 were female, with an average age of 57 years (range, 35-82 years). There were 5 cases of squamous cell carcinoma and 12 cases of basal cell carcinoma. The disease duration ranged from 4 months to 11 years with an average of 20 months. The tumor size ranged from 1.4 cm×0.3 cm to 3.1 cm×1.4 cm. The extended resection of the tumor tissue was performed according to the characters of tumor. According to the location, size, and shape of the defect and the position of facial artery perforator explored with Doppler ultrasonography, the propeller facial artery perforator flap was designed to repair the defect and partial donor site. The flap size ranged from 5 cm×2 cm to 7 cm×3 cm. The length of the perforator pedicle was 0.5-1.0 cm with an average of 0.8 cm. The defect at donor site was directly closed. Cyanosis occurred in 3 cases of the distal flap after operation, then healing after symptomatic treatment. The remaining flaps survived successfully and the wound healed by first intention. Primary healing was obtained in the donor site. All the patients were followed up 6-36 months with an average of 18 months. The shape of the patient's upper lip was good and the scar on the donor site was unconspicuous. There was no lip deformity, ala nasi deflection, facial tension, entilation dysfunction, or recurrence of tumor during follow-up. At last follow-up, the results of self-evaluation were very satisfactory in 13 cases and satisfactory in 4 cases. Based on multiple advantages of good blood supply, large rotation range, aesthetic outcome, and slight injury of the donor site, propeller facial artery perforator flap is not only an optimal choice for repairing upper lip defect after resection of skin malignant tumors, but also can achieve good functional and cosmetic effectiveness.

Application of Tissue Expansion with Perforator Flaps for Reconstruction of Challenging Skin Lesions

One set of perforators can supply its own perforasome as well as the adjacent perforasome. The process of tissue expansion can mimic the effect of surgical delay to include more perforasomes into the perforator flap. By combining the perforasome theory with the technique of tissue expansion, large and various expanded perforator flaps can be achieved. From July 2007 to July 2014, we performed eight different types of expanded perforator flaps in a total of 83 cases: 41 supraclavicular artery perforator flaps, 11 superficial cervical artery perforator flaps, 15 lateral thoracic perforator flaps, 6 internal mammary artery perforator flaps, 6 thoracoabdominal perforator flaps, 2 facial artery perforator flaps, 1 posterior interosseous perforator flap, and 1 ulnar collateral artery perforator flap. During the follow-up period, the survival rate, color, texture, and retraction of the flaps were assessed. The dimensions of the flaps ranged from 8 × 6 to 25 × 25 cm. Minor flap necrosis occurred in 20.5% of the cases, and severe flap necrosis developed in 2.4% of the cases. The donor sites were closed primarily in all but three cases. During the follow-up period (average, 13 months; range, 8-18 months), no flap contracture was observed with a good color and texture match. By combining the concept of perforasome with the technique of tissue expansion, flaps with large dimensions and reliable blood supply can be achieved, allowing a more flexible design to reconstruct various and challenging skin lesions.

Evaluation of facial artery perforator-based flaps in reconstruction of facial defects.

Introduction:Several flaps have been described for reconstructing facial or oral defects. Flaps such as forehead and pectoralis major are often too bulky for small-to-moderate-sized defects, for which nasolabial flaps are often ideal. However, nasolabial flaps have limited mobility and reach and may need two stages, particularly for intraoral defects. According to recent literatures, facial artery provides numerous small cutaneous perforators, based on which skin flaps can be islanded, with greater mobility and reach for reconstruction of small-to-moderate-sized intraoral and facial defects in one stage. Our study aims to evaluate the reliability and versatility of facial artery perforator-based flaps in the reconstruction of such defects.Materials and Methods:A ethical committee-approved retrospective study was conducted on data of the patients attending our outpatient department between February 2014 and October 2015 with small-to-moderate-sized facial/oral lesions. The total sample size was 23. We studied the relation of flap survival with size of flap, route of inset and neck dissection, functional and aesthetic outcomes and feasibility of adjuvant therapy in cases of malignancies.Results and Analysis:A wide range of facial defects, especially intraoral defects, could be reconstructed in one stage using facial artery perforator-based flaps. The flaps were reliable. Complications included only partial skin loss of the flaps in a few cases. Complications were directly related to the length of the flaps and the route of inset. Functional and aesthetic outcomes were satisfactory and none of the flaps showed any significant post-radiotherapy changes.Conclusions:We concluded that facial artery perforator flap can be a simple, safe, versatile and one-stage alternative to the traditional flaps in the reconstruction of small-to-moderate-sized facial defects. Neck dissection can be safely done in the same sitting.

Sphincter-Sparing Excision and Reconstruction Using Facial Artery Perforator Flaps for Lower Lip Carcinoma

This article discusses the results of orbicularis oris muscle-sparing surgery and reconstruction of defects through the use of facial artery perforator flaps and mucosal advancement flaps. Patients with lower lip carcinoma were evaluated retrospectively. Patients who underwent reconstruction with facial artery perforator flaps and mucosal advancement flaps with clear surgical margins and no muscle invasion were included in this study. Frozen section examinations were performed intraoperatively. Patients with muscle invasion were excluded. Between 2005 and 2015, 42 patients were treated by the described method. Supraomohyoid lymph node dissections were performed in patients whose ultrasonography had detected suspicious lymph nodes (n=4). No metastases were identified on pathologic examination of the lymph nodes, and no local or distant recurrences were seen during a mean follow-up time of 58.4months (range, 16 to 82months). The value of resecting the orbicularis oris muscle in cases in which there has been no muscle invasion is an ongoing subject of debate among surgeons. Preserving the muscle means preserving the function, and this is the main purpose of reconstruction. Using facial artery perforator flaps for reconstruction ensures good esthetic results while also maintaining the maximum oral opening. Sphincter-sparing excision and reconstruction with facial artery perforator flaps comprise a safe and reliable treatment method for selected cases involving lower lip carcinomas.

Progress of anatomic research and clinical application of facial artery perforator flap

To summarize the present status and progress of the anatomy researches and clinical application of the facial artery perforator flap (FAPF). The relative researches focused on the anatomy researches and clinical application of FAPF were extensively reviewed, analyzed, and summarized. The facial artery perforator (FAP) has constant anatomy. There are more facial artery perforators in the perioral region, and each FAP has two accompanying veins. Distinguished by inferior mandibular border, the upper and the lower flaps both are used for reconstruction of defects on the face. The most widely-used upper flap was FAPF, which is excellent choice of defects in mid-face. Additionally, angular artery perforator flap and lateral nasal artery perforator flap are becoming more and more popular. While submental artery perforator flap, whose pedicle locates under inferior mandibular border, is most used for reconstruction of lower face. FAPF for face defect repair can achieve good outcomes of function and appearance in clinical application. Based on multiple advantages of good aesthetics and function outcomes, high survival rate, flexible design, and simple operation, FAPF is an optimal choice for defect repair of perioral region and nasal ala. However, Further study is needed to determine whether retaining tissue around the pedicle will affect vein reflux of the flap.