Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 29, 2026
An Experimental Human DIEP Flap Model to Investigate Preservation Strategies for Vascularized Composite Allografts and Free Flaps
Published on: December 5, 2025
Adipofascial perforator flaps for "aesthetic" head and neck reconstruction
Matthew M Hanasono1, Roman J Skoracki, Amanda K Silva
1Department of Plastic Surgery, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA. mhanasono@mdanderson.org
Background:
Most head and neck reconstructions are performed for wound closure or functional rehabilitation with aesthetic restoration being an important but secondary consideration.
Methods:
Contour deformities in 40 patients undergoing head and neck resections were reconstructed immediately with adipofascial perforator flaps, including 37 anterolateral thigh and 3 deep inferior epigastric perforator flaps.
Results:
Reconstructions could be grouped into 1 of 3 defect areas: temporal fossa (n = 3), malar cheek (n = 13), and parotid-mastoid (n = 24). The mean time needed for reconstruction in excess of the oncologic resection was 3.1 hours. There were no flap losses. In no case did a complication delay adjuvant therapy and no patient experienced a decrease in level of activity related to donor site morbidity.
Conclusion:
Immediate restoration of facial contour with adipofascial perforator flaps is warranted in head and neck oncologic patients to help improve self-image and maintain quality of life.
