The temporal suspension flap for malar defects: a novel technique

Area of Science:

• Dermatology
• Plastic Surgery
• Wound Healing

Background:

• Graft survival hinges on close contact between skin grafts and the recipient wound bed.
• Traditional methods like bolster dressings and basting sutures are used to achieve this approximation.
• Precise graft placement is challenging in complex anatomical areas like the ear's fossae.

Purpose of the Study:

• To introduce a simple, rapid technique for placing quilting sutures in full-thickness skin grafts on the ear.
• To demonstrate the utility of this technique for achieving precise graft approximation in auricular defects.
• To evaluate the impact of this suturing method on graft survival and aesthetic results.

Main Methods:

• Utilized a plain gut suture with a short, straight needle for quilting.
• Applied the technique to full-thickness skin grafts specifically on the anterior ear.
• Focused on facilitating close approximation of the graft to the wound bed, especially within fossae.

Main Results:

• The described quilting suture technique allows for facile and rapid graft placement.
• This method ensures precise approximation of the graft within the intricate contours of the ear.
• Observed enhanced graft survival and excellent cosmetic results in clinical experience.

Conclusions:

• The plain gut quilting suture technique is an effective method for securing full-thickness skin grafts on the ear.
• This approach simplifies the process of achieving critical graft-to-wound bed contact.
• The technique offers a valuable tool for plastic surgeons, improving both functional and aesthetic outcomes in ear reconstruction.