Bilateral expanded cervico-pectoral "super-thin flap" for entire neck reconstruction

Area of Science:

• Plastic Surgery
• Reconstructive Surgery
• Anatomy

Background:

• The anterior neck presents significant reconstructive challenges due to its complex motility.
• Previous methods often struggle to restore both function and aesthetics in this region.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the efficacy of bilateral cervico-pectoral "Super-thin flaps" for entire anterior neck reconstruction.
• To analyze the functional and aesthetic outcomes of this reconstructive technique.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective analysis of 7 cases (4 male, 3 female) undergoing entire anterior neck reconstruction.
• Utilized 14 expanded cervico-pectoral super-thin flaps, combining flap thinning and expansion techniques.
• Assessed flap viability, donor site closure, range of motion, and aesthetic results.

Main Results:

• Flap sizes ranged from 8x6 cm to 17x10 cm, with primary closure of all donor sites.
• Achieved full neck range of motion in all cases by removing contractured tissues.
• Reported very good to good aesthetic outcomes in 86% of patients, with natural cervical contour restored in 6 cases.

Conclusions:

• Expanded cervico-pectoral super-thin flaps are a viable and effective method for entire anterior neck reconstruction.
• The technique successfully restores both function (motility) and aesthetics (natural contour).
• This approach offers a promising solution for complex anterior neck defects.