Infraorbital Artery Perforator Flap: A Viable Option for Facial Defect Reconstruction Clinical Case Analysis and...

Area of Science:

• Plastic Surgery
• Reconstructive Surgery
• Facial Anatomy

Background:

• Reconstructing central facial regions like the lower eyelid and lateral nose presents significant challenges.
• Achieving optimal contour and esthetic integration in these areas is difficult with current techniques.
• Existing perforator flaps may not fully address the complexities of periorbital and nasal subunit reconstruction.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the application of an infraorbital artery (IOA) perforator flap for lower eyelid and lateral nasal reconstruction.
• To evaluate the feasibility and effectiveness of the IOA perforator flap in improving esthetic outcomes.
• To provide anatomical details and clinical evidence for this reconstructive approach.

Main Methods:

• Anatomical dissections were performed on eight hemifaces to map the IOA and assess flap feasibility.
• Four patients underwent reconstruction using IOA perforator flaps for lower eyelid or nose defects.
• Clinical outcomes were assessed using the FACE-Q scale for esthetic and functional improvements.

Main Results:

• Anatomical study detailed the IOA's location and perforator vessel size (approx. 0.5 mm).
• The vascular pedicle length ranged from 2 to 4 cm, allowing for mobilization.
• All four clinical cases demonstrated excellent flap viability with no necrosis or vascular compromise.

Conclusions:

• The infraorbital artery perforator flap is a feasible and effective option for nose and lower eyelid reconstruction.
• This technique offers superior contour restoration in the periorbital and nasal regions.
• The IOA perforator flap provides a reliable solution for complex facial defects.