[Submental island flaps. Surgical technique and possible variations in facial reconstruction]

The submental flap is an island myocutaneous flap supplied by the submental artery divided from the facial artery. Large skin paddles (up to 7 x 18 cm.) can be raised, perfectly matching with facial color. As an island flap it allows coverage of the homolateral oral cavity or the homolateral face (except the medial forehead region). Including the facial vessels in its pedicle allows a safe free transfer. A greater are of rotation is obtained transferring the flap on its distal pedicle. One can include in the flap a segment of internal basilar margin. The resulting scar is perfectly hidden under the mandible. The operative protocol is now well defined and makes the flap easy to use. 21 flaps have been transferred, resulting in a single partial necrosis of a flap extremity.