The double hatchet flap: a workhorse in head and neck local flap reconstruction

A double triangular flap, or hatchet flap, with a partial cutaneous pedicle, has great versatility for facial reconstruction, yet there has been little published discussion regarding the potential applications and/or modifications of the flap. A total of 483 cutaneous malignant neoplasms have been excised and repaired by the senior author (C.C.M.) using a modified bilateral hatchet flap; 366 of the neoplasms were located in the head and neck region. The flap has been used to reconstruct defects in the scalp, eyebrow, lower eyelid, nasal tip, cheek, chin, arms, and torso, with no cases of flap loss. The design of the flap and our modification will be discussed in detail, along with a description of 4 representative cases.