The Extended Forehead Flap: Expanding the Armamentarium for Forehead and Anterior Scalp Reconstruction.

BACKGROUND

The forehead and scalp play a crucial role in the aesthetic appearance of the face. Extensive oncological resections that result in significant defects create challenges for reconstruction and require various surgical techniques.

OBJECTIVES

To present the planning and surgical technique required for a simple, reproducible one-stage flap to reconstruct an extensive forehead defect.

METHODS

A cohort of six patients underwent reconstruction of large anterior forehead or scalp defects using a one-stage axial fasciocutaneous flap. All procedures were conducted under general anesthesia. The defects resulted from tumor resections. The sizes ranged from 5.5 cm to 11 cm. The flap was used to reconstruct various forehead and anterior scalp regions.

RESULTS

All the flaps were successful. The aesthetic outcomes were favorable, and no significant complications were noted.

CONCLUSIONS

The extended forehead flap is a versatile option for safe, simple, and reproducible one-stage reconstruction of large forehead and anterior scalp defects that yields satisfactory aesthetic results.