Arch Craniofac Surg.  2012 Oct;13(2):139-142. 10.7181/acfs.2012.13.2.139.

Reconstruction of Cheek Defect with Facial Artery Perforator Flap

• Kang JK
• Song JK
• Jeong HG
• Shin MS
• Yun BM

• KMID: 2220184
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.7181/acfs.2012.13.2.139

Abstract

PURPOSE
To reconstruct the midface, local flaps such as nasolabial flaps have been frequently used. These local flaps, however, have the shortcomings of requiring a secondary operation or limitations in the movement of the flap. Thus, new methods have been developed. This paper reports a case wherein the basal cell carcinoma on the cheek was resected and the skin and soft tissue defect was successfully treated using a facial artery perforator flap.
METHODS
A 68-year-old female consulted the authors on the basal cell carcinoma that developed on her cheek. The mass was fully resected and revealed a 2.3 x 2.3 cm defective region. Using a Doppler ultrasonography, the facial artery path was traced, and using a loupe magnification, the facial artery perforator flap was elevated and the defective region was covered with the flap.
RESULTS
The flap developed early venous congestion, but it disappeared without any treatment. Six months after the surgery, the patient was satisfied with the postoperative result.
CONCLUSION
The facial artery perforator flap has a thin pedicle. It offers a big arc of the rotation that allows free movement and one-stage operation. These strengths make the method useful for the reconstruction of the midface among other procedures.

Keyword

Midface; Facial artery perforator flap

MeSH Terms

Aged
Arteries
Carcinoma, Basal Cell
Cheek
Female
Humans
Hyperemia
Perforator Flap
Skin
Ultrasonography, Doppler