[Repair of middle and lower face scars using alar thin expanded cervical flap with pedicle in anterior neck]

To explore the application of alar thin expanded cervical flap with pedicle in anterior neck for large scars on middle and lower face.

From February 2000 to July 2013, 26 patients with scars on the middle and lower face were treated with the alar thin expanded cervical flaps with pedicle in anterior neck. After the skin of anterior neck was expanded by implanting skin expanders, alar thin expanded cervical flap with pedicle in anterior neck was obtained with size of 163-275 cm(2). Then the scars on the middle and lower face with the size of 135-196 cm(2) were excised, with the area of excision allowing full coverage of the expanded flap. The flap was rotated and advanced to the middle and lower face, and the incision was closed in layers.

The 26 patients were followed up for 2 to 24 months. Twenty-one flaps survived, with good appearance and function. Four flaps showed venous retardation at distal part, and only one flap showed necrosis of the right edge. They were healed by free skin grafting.

The alar thin expanded cervical flap not only makes maximum use of expanded flap on the premise of ensuring blood supply, but also guarantees good color, texture, and contour of face and neck.