Arch Plast Surg.  2017 Jul;44(4):319-323. 10.5999/aps.2017.44.4.319.

Reconstruction of Large Facial Defects via Excision of Skin Cancer Using Two or More Regional Flaps

• Lee DM
• Bae YC
• Nam SB
• Bae SH
• Choi JS

• KMID: 2403934
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.5999/aps.2017.44.4.319

Abstract

BACKGROUND
Free-flap surgery and skin grafting can be used to reconstruct large facial defects that may result after skin cancer removal by Mohs micrographic surgery (MMS). However, these two methods may produce low postsurgical patient satisfaction with aesthetics, and free-flap surgery may produce an undue burden for the majority of skin cancer patients, who are of advanced age. Hence, the authors examined outcomes of large facial defect reconstruction using multiple flaps.
METHODS
Among patients undergoing MMS for skin cancer at Pusan National University Hospital between January 2013 and December 2015, we evaluated 7 patients (2 males, 5 females; average age, 73.14 years) treated for large facial defects from basal cell carcinoma. Based on operative and follow-up records, we investigated the number and type of flaps used, postsurgical complications, and patients' post-surgical satisfaction.
RESULTS
Two and 3 types of flaps were used for 5 and 2 patients, respectively. Most frequently used were nasolabial flaps (7 times in 6 patients) and forehead flaps (once in each of 4 patients). The average follow-up period was 14 months, with no complications"”including necrosis, hematoma, or wound dehiscence"”observed. Post-surgical satisfaction averaged 4.4 out of a maximum of 5 points.
CONCLUSIONS
Reconstruction using two or more flaps for large facial defects after skin cancer removal using MMS produced satisfactory outcomes while preventing aesthetic problems. Practitioners should consider using multiple flaps when choosing a reconstruction method for large facial defects following skin cancer removal.

Keyword

Mohs surgery; Multiple flaps; Large defects

MeSH Terms

Busan
Carcinoma, Basal Cell
Esthetics
Female
Follow-Up Studies
Forehead
Hematoma
Humans
Male
Methods
Mohs Surgery
Necrosis
Patient Satisfaction
Skin Neoplasms*
Skin Transplantation
Skin*
Wounds and Injuries