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Published on: December 5, 2025
The versatility of the sub-mental flap: a case report
S Carpentier1, P Lebeau, B Vandurne
1Service de chirurgie plastique, Cliniques universitaires St-Luc, Bruxelles, Belgium. carpentiersev@hotmail.com
Summary
The sub-mental flap is a reliable option for reconstructing defects after cancer surgery, particularly for elderly patients. This study highlights its effectiveness in challenging cases, including rare hard palate reconstructions.
Area of Science:
- Plastic Surgery
- Oncology
- Head and Neck Surgery
Background:
- The sub-mental flap is a versatile surgical technique for tissue reconstruction.
- Reconstruction of defects following oncological resection presents unique challenges, especially in elderly patients.
Observation:
- This study evaluated the sub-mental flap in four elderly patients (mean age 83) undergoing oncological resection.
- Three patients had basal cell carcinoma on the face (cheek, temporal, fronto-temporal regions).
- One patient had squamous cell carcinoma of the hard palate, a novel application.
Findings:
- The sub-mental flap proved to be a reliable method for reconstruction in all four cases.
- The flap's intrinsic qualities facilitated successful repair of complex defects.
- Successful reconstruction of a wide palatal fistula after oncological resection was achieved.
Implications:
- The sub-mental flap is a valuable tool for reconstructive surgeons managing challenging defects.
- Its application in hard palate reconstruction after cancer surgery is demonstrated as a viable option.
- This technique offers a reliable solution for difficult post-oncological resection repairs in elderly patients.