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Preauricular Superficial Temporal Artery Flap: A Simple Solution in Face Reconstruction
Gonçalo Tomé1, José Miguel Azevedo1, Inês Catalão1
1Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery and Burns Unit, Coimbra Local Health Unit, Coimbra, PRT.
Cureus
|October 11, 2024
Summary
The preauricular superficial temporal artery (PASTA) flap offers a simple, effective solution for facial reconstruction, achieving excellent aesthetic results with minimal complications. This technique provides a reliable option for repairing defects with good color and texture match.
Area of Science:
- Plastic Surgery
- Reconstructive Surgery
- Head and Neck Surgery
Background:
- Facial defects from tumors or trauma often require reconstruction.
- Local flaps are common, but alternatives like the preauricular superficial temporal artery (STA) flap are explored.
- The preauricular flap offers an alternative to traditional retroauricular flaps.
Observation:
- A case study details an 80-year-old female with frontotemporal squamous cell carcinoma.
- Reconstruction utilized a reverse-flow, pedicled preauricular superficial temporal artery (PASTA) flap based on the STA parietal branch.
- The flap measured 5x6 cm, with primary closure of the donor site.
Findings:
- After 24 months, the PASTA flap showed no complications, good aesthetic outcomes, and an inconspicuous scar.
- Literature review identified 152 reported preauricular STA flaps, predominantly free flaps, for various facial areas.
- Venous congestion was noted as the most frequent complication in reported cases.
Implications:
- The PASTA flap is a straightforward technique for small-to-moderate facial defects.
- It is easily harvested with a simple dissection and can be based on either the frontal or parietal STA branch.
- This flap provides reliable, aesthetically pleasing reconstruction with minimal patient morbidity.
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