Reconstruction of lower face defect or deformity with submental artery perforator flaps.

BACKGROUND

Reconstruction of lower face defects or deformity often presents as a challenge for plastic surgeons. Many methods, including skin graft, tissue expander, or free flap are introduced. Submental artery perforator flaps have been used in the reconstruction of defects or deformities of the lower face.

METHODS

Between August 2006 and December 2008, 22 patients with lower face defects or deformity underwent reconstruction with pedicled submental artery perforator flaps. Their age ranged between 14 and 36 years. The perforator arteries were detected and labeled with a hand-held Doppler flowmeter. The size of flaps ranged from 4 × 6 to 6 × 7 cm, and the designed flaps included the perforator artery.

RESULTS

All the flaps survived well, except 1 flap which resulted in partial necrosis in distal region and healed after conservative therapy. No other complication occurred with satisfactory aesthetic appearance of the donor site.

CONCLUSIONS

The submental artery perforator flap is a thin and reliable flap with robust blood supply. This flap can reduce donor-site morbidity significantly and is a good choice for reconstructive surgery of lower face.