Experience with cervicofacial flap in cheek reconstruction.

Area of Science:

• Plastic Surgery
• Reconstructive Surgery
• Oncology

Background:

• The cervicofacial flap is a recognized method for reconstructing midface soft-tissue defects.
• This study focuses on its application in cheek skin reconstruction.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the efficacy and aesthetic outcomes of the cervicofacial flap in reconstructing cheek skin defects.
• To assess the impact of modifications like malar bone periosteal anchoring and lateral canthopexy.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective analysis of 35 patients undergoing cheek reconstruction with cervicofacial flaps between 2007 and 2011.
• Reconstruction of cheek skin defects (5-8 cm diameter) following excision of tumors including basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and malignant melanoma.
• Implementation of modified techniques: periosteal malar bone anchoring in all cases and lateral canthopexy in 11 cases.

Main Results:

• 35 patients (16 female, 19 male; mean age 53) underwent reconstruction.
• Tumor types included basal cell carcinoma (n=19), squamous cell carcinoma (n=11), and malignant melanoma (n=5).
• Periosteal malar bone anchoring and lateral canthopexy (when indicated) were successfully integrated.

Conclusions:

• The cervicofacial flap, augmented with malar bone periosteal anchoring, provides a favorable aesthetic solution for cheek skin defects.
• The addition of lateral canthopexy further refines outcomes in specific periorbital reconstructions.
• This technique is a valuable option for midface soft-tissue defect reconstruction.