Article
Mustache and Eyebrow Reconstruction using Various Flaps
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Published: | October 1, 2007 |
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Outline
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Background: Various kinds of methods including prefabricated flaps have been developed for mustache and eyebrow reconstruction. In our facility, superficial temporal artery (STA) flap (temporal flap), submental artery perforator (SMAP) flap and secondary vascularized hairy flap have been employed for the reconstruction of hair-bearing areas of the face. The advantages and disadvantages of the respective methods as well as their respective selection criteria are discussed in this paper.
Methods and results: STA flap was easy to harvest and useful for the reconstruction of ipsilateral eyebrow and mustache. However, little ingenuity was needed for their reconstructionon the contralateral side. Moreover, it was difficult to recreate a hair stream. SMAP flap was employed for reconstructing the mustache. The flap was made on the submental region and elevated with the submental artery perforator as a vascular pedicle. The donor site could be closed first.. However, it was suggested that this flap might not be suitable for reconstructing a large area of the upper lip. A secondary vascularized hairy flap was needed to perform the operation. At the first operation, only a vascular bundle of deep inferior epigastric vessels was transferred and anastomosed with superficial temporal vessels, and this bundle was transplanted under the skin in the occipital hairy region. In the second operation, eyebrow was reconstructed with a prefabricated hairy flap. The flap was designed taking into consideration the hair stream, and both unilateral and bilateral reconstructions were possible.
Conclusion: Both methods had their respective advantages and disadvantages. This suggested that we need to select appropriate methods on a case-by-case basis after careful consideration.