Subcutaneous pedicle Limberg flap for repairing skin defects in the face

Objective:To investigate the effect of a subcutaneous pedicle Limberg flap for the reconstruction of medium-sized skin defects in the face following skin tumor or scar excision. Methods: From August 2002 to June 2004,the subcutaneous pedicle Limberg flap was designed to repair facial skin defects in 17 patients(19 flaps),and the size of the lesions ranged from 2.0 cm×1.9 cm to 5.0 cm×4.5 cm.The operation was performed under general anesthesia in 2 children,and under local anesthesia in the remaining 15 patients. Results: All flaps survived with primary healing postoperatively.With a follow-up from 1 to 22 months,neither short-term nor long-term postoperative complications such as flap necrosis,hematoma,infection,visible dog-ear and trap door deformity were found,and functionally and cosmetically satisfactory outcomes were achieved. Conclusion: This subcutaneous pedicle Limberg flap provides a competitive repair alternative for the treatment of medium-sized skin defects in the face.

Subcutaneous island pedicle flap for aesthetic reconstruction of the face

Objective:To investigate the outcomes of subcutaneous island pedicle flap for reconstruction of the medium-sized facial skin defects. Methods: Eighty nine cases of facial defects within one cosmetic unit following removal of skin tumors or scars were reconstructed with advancement or transposition island pedicle flaps. Patient records and postoperative photographs were reviewed retrospectively. Both patients and other surgeons were asked to assess outcome variables. Results: All flaps survived with primary healing postoperatively. Patients and surgeons judged excellent or good overall outcomes in 95. 5% and 92. 7% of all evaluated cases, respectively. Conclusion: The subcutaneous island pedicle flap may be an extremely versatile and reliable method for aesthetic reconstruction of medium-sized facial defects in the patients of all time of life.