The reverse superficial temporal artery flap from the preauricular region, for the small facial defects

Summary 

Background

For the reconstruction of facial defects, the retroauricular flap is generally used. However, this flap has disadvantages, such as venous return disturbance and reddish skin colour peculiar to the retroauricular region.

Methods

Here, we report the reverse superficial temporal artery (STA) flap, elevated from the preauricular region. In our method, the flap is retrogradely elevated including the STA under the skin island in the preauricular region and the temporoparietal fascia around the superficial temporal vessels in the temporal region. The donor site is closed primarily or by the retroauricular flap.

Results

Five cases with a pedicled flap and one case with a free flap were treated using our method. In one case, a minor congestion of the flap occurred postoperatively, and temporary facial nerve palsy in another case. In all cases, the results were cosmetically good, and the scar at the donor site was inconspicuous.

Conclusions

As compared to the retroauricular flap, our method is easier to perform and the flap has a reliable blood circulation. Moreover, it can be used with both a pedicled and a free flap, leaving an inconspicuous scar at the donor site, and a colour match without reddish skin. Therefore, when considering reconstruction of small-sized defects on the face, our method is more useful than the retroauricular flap.

Keywords: Reverse superficial temporal artery flap, Reverse-flow artery flap, Preauricular flap, Retroauricular flap, Reconstruction of facial defect, Local flap