[Filling of the residual depression after parotidectomy with a composite arterial subcutaneous flap]

Parotidectomy causes isolation of the facial nerve and an antiaesthetic hollow of the preauricular region. In order to avoid these two sequelae, the author proposes raising of an island subcutaneous flap, as large as required by the area to be filled, from above the resected area, which is then rotated onto the tissue defect. It is an arterial flap, with a superficial temporal artery pedicle and is composed by three superimposed layers: the epicranial aponeurosis (galea capitis); a layer of sub-aponeurotic connective tissue; the periosteum of the cranial bones. The rich blood supply and the fibrous nature of the flap limit its reabsorption and since the flap is drawn from the hair area, the scar is completely concealed.