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Published on: December 30, 2025
Combined flaps based on the superficial temporal vascular system for reconstruction of facial defects
Renpeng Zhou1, Chen Wang1, Yunliang Qian1
1Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai JiaoTong University, 639 Zhi Zao Ju Road, Shanghai 200011, PR China.
Background:
Facial defects are multicomponent deficiencies rather than simple soft-tissue defects. Based on different branches of the superficial temporal vascular system, various tissue components can be obtained to reconstruct facial defects individually.
Methods:
From January 2004 to December 2013, 31 patients underwent reconstruction of facial defects with composite flaps based on the superficial temporal vascular system.
Results:
Twenty cases of nasal defects were repaired with skin and cartilage components, six cases of facial defects were treated with double island flaps of the skin and fascia, three patients underwent eyebrow and lower eyelid reconstruction with hairy and hairless flaps simultaneously, and two patients underwent soft-tissue repair with auricular combined flaps and cranial bone grafts. All flaps survived completely. Donor-site morbidity is minimal, closed primarily. Donor areas healed with acceptable cosmetic results. The final outcome was satisfactory.
Conclusion:
Combined flaps based on the superficial temporal vascular system are a useful and versatile option in facial soft-tissue reconstruction.
