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Updated: Jul 9, 2026
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Coronoid-Temporalis Pedicled Flap for Orbital Floor Defect Reconstruction
Published on: December 5, 2025
Reverse-flow retroauricular island flap in facial reconstruction
Erol Benlier1, Husamettin Top, Can Cinar
1Department of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery, Trakya University, Medical Faculty, Edirne, Turkey. drebenlier@hotmail.com
Summary
The subcutaneous pedicled retroauricular reverse-flow flap offers a reliable solution for facial skin defect reconstruction, achieving satisfactory aesthetic and functional outcomes with minimal complications.
Area of Science:
- Plastic Surgery
- Reconstructive Surgery
- Dermatologic Surgery
Background:
- Facial skin defect reconstruction demands high-quality skin coverage for optimal patient aesthetics, particularly in visible areas.
- Limited local tissue availability and donor-site morbidity pose significant challenges in reconstructive options.
Observation:
- A subcutaneous pedicled retroauricular reverse-flow flap was utilized for facial defect reconstruction in 12 patients undergoing skin tumor excision.
- Patient ages ranged from 44 to 81 years, with a mean age of 58 years.
Findings:
- The flap demonstrated a high success rate, with only one case of superficial distal flap necrosis.
- Functional and aesthetic outcomes were consistently satisfactory for both patients and surgeons.
- No tumor recurrence was noted during the follow-up period (mean 18.8 months).
Implications:
- This flap is a reliable option for reconstructing small to medium-sized facial skin defects.
- Utilizing the frontal branch pedicled flap allows coverage of more distal facial areas, including the nose, nasolabial folds, and upper lip.