The platysma myocutaneous flap as a reconstructive option in head and neck surgery: harvesting procedure

Reconstructive surgery relies on microvascular flaps as the gold standard, however, for patients at high risk of extended procedures, a local flap may be preferable. In such cases, the platysma flap represents an effective option for the oral cavity, oropharynx, and small to medium-sized facial defects. Nevertheless, its use remains controversial, particularly regarding oncological radicality and safe neck dissection.

This paper presents a step-by-step description and video of a clinical case from the Hospital of Bolzano, demonstrating a modified platysma flap technique.

The proposed variant, with its arterial supply from the facial artery, offers a more oncologically radical approach for local reconstruction.