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Preexpanded distant "super-thin" intercostal perforator flaps for facial reconstruction without the need for
1Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China.
Journal of Plastic, Reconstructive & Aesthetic Surgery : JPRAS
|October 19, 2006
Summary
Super-thin anterior intercostal perforator flaps offer a viable option for facial reconstruction. This technique provides thin, well-colored tissue without microsurgery, proving effective for extensive facial scars.
Area of Science:
- Plastic Surgery
- Reconstructive Surgery
- Tissue Engineering
Background:
- The concept of super-thin perforator flaps was introduced in 1994.
- These flaps have been successfully used for contour-sensitive reconstructions like the face and neck.
Observation:
- Eleven patients with extensive facial scarring underwent reconstruction using super-thin anterior intercostal perforator flaps (AICP).
- Tissue expanders were used to prepare the flaps, followed by transfer to the recipient site in a staged procedure.
Findings:
- The AICP flaps demonstrated successful survival without complications, providing satisfactory color, texture, and thickness.
- No flap shrinkage was observed during long-term follow-up.
- This method avoids microsurgery and minimizes donor-site morbidity, offering a large volume of thin tissue.
Implications:
- Super-thin AICP flaps represent an alternative for reconstructing large defects in the lower two-thirds of the face.
- Potential disadvantages include a three-stage procedure, tissue expansion complications, and patient discomfort.
- Further research may optimize this reconstructive approach.