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A Method to Reproduce Symmetry in Midfacial Reconstruction: A Report of 19 Cases
Xiaoli Lou1, Chunyu Xue, Joseph A Molnar
1In the Department of Plastic Surgery, Changhai Hospital, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China, Xiaoli Lou, MD, PhD, is Attending Physician; and Chunyu Xue, MD, PhD, is Director. Joseph A. Molnar, MD, PhD, FACS, is Professor of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery and Regenerative Medicine; Medical Director, Wound Care and Hyperbaric Center; and Associate Director, Burn Center, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, North Carolina. Hongda Bi, MD, PhD, is Associate Professor, Department of Plastic Surgery, Changhai Hospital, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China.
This study presents a new surgical method for repairing midfacial skin defects. The technique effectively reconstructs the tear trough feature while preventing complications like ectropion.
Area of Science:
- Plastic Surgery
- Dermatology
- Ophthalmology
Background:
- Facial skin defect reconstruction is challenging.
- Aging causes tissue ptosis, creating the tear trough.
- Ectropion is a potential complication in midfacial repair.
Purpose of the Study:
- Evaluate a novel surgical technique for midfacial skin defects.
- Assess the technique's efficacy and aesthetic outcome.
- Determine if the technique can reproduce the tear trough feature and avoid ectropion.
Main Methods:
- Nineteen patients with midfacial defects underwent reconstruction.
- A unilateral pedicled V-Y local flap was utilized.
- Anchoring sutures connected flap dermis to infraorbital periosteum to create the tear trough.
Main Results:
- All 19 midfacial defects were successfully repaired using the V-Y flap.
- No instances of lower eyelid ectropion or noticeable scarring occurred.
- Successful tear trough reconstruction and maintained facial symmetry were observed.
Conclusions:
- Local V-Y flap reconstruction with anchoring sutures is effective for midfacial defects.
- This technique successfully reproduces facial feature lines.
- The method avoids ectropion and achieves favorable aesthetic results.
