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Semin Plast Surg 2020; 34(03): 165-170
DOI: 10.1055/s-0040-1714269
Review Article

Propeller Flaps in the Head and Neck

Adriana Cordova
1   Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Department of Surgical, Oncological and Oral Sciences, University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
,
Salvatore D'Arpa
1   Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Department of Surgical, Oncological and Oral Sciences, University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
,
Fernando Rosatti
1   Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Department of Surgical, Oncological and Oral Sciences, University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
,
Marta Nichelini
1   Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Department of Surgical, Oncological and Oral Sciences, University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
,
Giovanni Maria D'Antonio
1   Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Department of Surgical, Oncological and Oral Sciences, University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
,
Salvatore Giordano
1   Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Department of Surgical, Oncological and Oral Sciences, University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
,
Francesca Toia
1   Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Department of Surgical, Oncological and Oral Sciences, University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
› Author Affiliations Funding None.
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Abstract

Propeller flaps have significantly expanded the reconstruction possibilities in the head and neck region. They allow for increased flap mobility and better scar concealing, and/or to perform a one-stage reconstruction with local tissue of similar color and texture, where multiple surgeries would be needed with traditional flaps or even free flaps would be required. This article describes the main propeller flaps for one-stage reconstruction in the head–neck region (facial artery perforator, supratrochlear artery axial perforator, deep lingual artery axial perforator, and anterior supraclavicular artery perforator flaps), their indications, and possible complications. Aesthetic and functional results of propeller flaps in the head and neck region are very good and the complication rate is low, but due to their surgical complexity and the availability of many simpler local flaps, they are indicated only in select cases where local flaps are unavailable or would require multiple staged procedures to complete the construction.

Keywords

head and neck reconstruction - perforator flaps - propeller flaps - facial artery perforator - supratrochlear artery perforator - supraclavicular artery perforator - lingual flaps


Publication History

Article published online:
22 September 2020

© 2020. Thieme. All rights reserved.

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