[Cheek defect reconstruction with a vertical translation flap: nine cases].

INTRODUCTION

Cheeks are frequently the sites of common skin tumors. Surgery is the common treatment of those lesions and the operative defect can be important. The aim of this study was to present reconstruction of lateromedial cheek defects with a vertical translation flap.

PATIENTS AND

METHODS

Nine patients (three women and six men) with a mean age of 46 years (21-74) were included. The defect was located in the medial part of the cheek in all cases with a mean diameter of 5 cm (4-6). The incision was made between the cheek, lateral nasal area, upper and lower lips, and chin aesthetic units. Then the flap was vertically translated and the upper end was fixed to the adjacent periosteum. The average follow-up was four years.

RESULTS

In all cases the defect was covered and there was no case flap necrosis. In one case a postoperative paresia of the marginal ramus was noted and two patients presented with minor ectropion without lagopthalmia.

DISCUSSION: In our experience this type of flap is indicated in large cheek defects without extension to nasal ala, upper lip, and lower eyelid.