[Restoration of the burn-damaged face with a split-thickness skin-fatty tissue flap from the neck]

The article deals with experience in the treatment of 94 patients with a split-thickness cellulocutaneous flap taken from the neck. It has been established that the skin on the neck has an axial blood supply which allows it to be mobilized extensively without including the platysma of the neck and chest wall and transfer it to the face, avoiding necrosis. Four main types of cicatricial damage to the face are distinguished, which determine the peculiarities of transfer of the mobilized skin. Maintenance of the platysma in situ and vacuum drainage of the space under flap retain the contours of the neck and face. In total affection of the face the tissues must be mobilized again in 6 to 12 months and moved so to restore the skin to the orbits. The skin of the neck, when transferred to the face, maintains its natural properties and is best plastic material. The method is indicated in all cases in which the skin of the neck and anterior surface of the chest is not damaged.