A 20-Year Experience with Tissue Expansion for Large Cervical Fascial Defects: An Algorithm Based on Different...

Area of Science:

• Plastic and reconstructive surgery
• Facial reconstruction
• Tissue expansion techniques

Background:

• Facial defects pose significant reconstructive challenges.
• Cervical flaps have been utilized for facial rehabilitation.
• A standardized strategy for flap selection is needed.

Purpose of the Study:

• To propose a treatment strategy for selecting expanded cervical flaps for facial unit reconstruction.
• To analyze the application of cervical expanded flaps for facial defects over 20 years.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective review of 122 patients undergoing facial rehabilitation with cervical expanded flaps (January 2003 - January 2023).
• Classification of flaps into three types: advanced, wing-shaped with overlapping expansion, and single-lobed transposition.
• Analysis of defect size, flap dimensions, and expansion periods.

Main Results:

• 122 patients with unilateral and bilateral facial deformities were included.
• Three types of expanded cervical flaps were identified and utilized.
• Cervical flaps demonstrated reliable reconstructive capabilities for diverse facial units and large defects.

Conclusions:

• Expanded cervical flaps are a reliable option for reconstructing various facial units, particularly large cutaneous defects.
• Preoperative planning based on defect characteristics guides flap selection.
• This strategy aids in achieving excellent tissue matching and functional outcomes.