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
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Biography
Makoto Yamauchi works as assistant staff of department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery at Sapporo Medical University School of Medicine.
Biography
Takatoshi Yotsuyanagi works as professor of department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery at Sapporo Medical University School of Medicine.
Biography
Ken Yamashita works as assistant staff of department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery at Sapporo Medical University School of Medicine.
Biography
Kanae Ikeda works as assistant staff of department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery at Sapporo Medical University School of Medicine.
Biography
Satoshi Urushidate works as lecturer of department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery at Hirosaki University School of Medicine.
Biography
Makoto Mikami works as assistant staff of department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery at Hirosaki University School of Medicine.
Article info
Publication history
Published online: October 07, 2011
Accepted:
September 6,
2011
Received:
January 5,
2011
Identification
Copyright
© 2011 British Association of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgeons. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
