The platysma myocutaneous flap. Indications and caveats.

The platysma myocutaneous flap has enjoyed limited popularity despite its versatility, dependability, and ease of harvesting. In this article, we describe 12 consecutive patients who underwent platysma flap reconstruction of various oral cavity and oropharyngeal defects. Complications included loss of one skin paddle, one pharyngocutaneous fistula, and one intraoral wound dehiscence. In all patients, bare bone was covered or appropriate spacing between the tongue and other structures was maintained to avoid ankyloglossia. We discuss specific indications and caveats.