Flap Basics III: Interpolated Flaps

Area of Science:

• Plastic Surgery
• Dermatology
• Reconstructive Surgery

Background:

• Mohs surgery for facial skin cancer often requires complex reconstruction.
• Interpolated flaps are a common reconstructive technique in facial plastic surgery.
• Paramedian forehead and melolabial flaps are frequently utilized for midface defects.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the efficacy of paramedian forehead and melolabial interpolated flaps for midface reconstruction.
• To highlight the advantages and disadvantages of these flap types.

Main Methods:

• Review of interpolated flap techniques in facial plastic surgery.
• Analysis of tissue match, donor site defects, blood supply, and procedural stages.
• Comparison of paramedian forehead and melolabial flaps.

Main Results:

• These flaps offer excellent tissue match (thickness, texture, color) for midface reconstruction.
• Donor sites have minimal defects, and facial landmarks are preserved.
• A robust blood supply (axial or random) supports flap viability.
• The primary disadvantage is the potential need for multistage procedures.

Conclusions:

• Paramedian forehead and melolabial interpolated flaps are highly effective for midface reconstruction post-Mohs surgery.
• Their advantages include superior tissue integration and preservation of facial aesthetics.
• Patient selection may be influenced by the requirement for staged procedures.