The platysma musculocutaneous flap: experience with 24 cases

The platysma musculocutaneous flap has been used in 24 patients for reconstruction in the head and neck area. In 22 patients, the superior vascular pedicle, the submental branch of the facial artery, was used, and in two other patients, the inferior pedicle, the superficial branch of the transverse cervical artery, was used. Twelve patients had reconstruction of the intraoral lining with a skin paddle on the platysma. The buccal mucosa and mandibular alveolar ridge are particularly well suited to this flap. Six patients had restoration of external skin, four had provision of both skin and lining with the same flap, and two had coverage of vulnerable structures with muscle alone. Forty-two percent of patients experienced a minor complication. Only four patients, however, required further surgery, and all 24 patients ultimately had satisfactory results. Of seven patients experiencing loss of a portion of the skin paddle, six had intraoral reconstruction. Meticulous dissection and attention to anatomic detail is necessary in raising the flap. Because of its thinness and pliability, we feel that the platysma musculocutaneous flap is an important addition to the techniques of head and neck reconstruction.