Bipedicled Preexpanded Forehead Flaps for Simultaneous Reconstruction of Total Nasal and Upper Lip Subunits: A Novel Approach to Complex Facial Resurfacing

Abstract

Background Reconstruction of the central facial subunits is a complex and challenging task. In cases in which both the nasal and upper lip subunits are involved, a technique that can reconstruct both aesthetic units with tissue of similar color and texture from a single donor site will be ideal. In this article we present our experience with the bipedicled preexpanded forehead flap for simultaneous nasal and upper lip resurfacing.

Patients and Methods Between January 2012 and January 2015 we used this technique in the simultaneous reconstruction of total nasal and upper lip subunits in five patients. All cases were for burns scar resurfacing.

Results Good aesthetic results were achieved in each of our five cases to date and no complications were encountered. All donor sites closed primarily with aesthetically pleasing well-concealed linear scars. In all cases small modifications such as philtral shaping and further flap thinning were performed under local anesthesia between 6 and 12 months postoperatively

Conclusion The preexpanded forehead flap provides an unparalleled color and texture match when it comes to facial resurfacing. When both total nasal and upper lip resurfacings are required, it is possible to achieve this in a single sitting from a single donor site by using a bipedicled preexpanded forehead flap.

Keywords

bipedicled preexpanded flap - forehead flap - head and neck - nose - lips - facial resurfacing

Note

Weijie Su and Peiru Min authors contributed equally to this article.

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