An algorythmic approach to restoration of the fronto-naso-periorbital skin defects using the forehead flaps.
OBJECTIVE
The classic forehead flaps, which are designed vertically, two-staged and exteriorised pedicled peninsular flaps, are still a reconstructive option for nasal and periorbital defects. However, some drawbacks such as conspicuous donor-site scar, multi-staged procedure, rather short pedicle, hairy appearance (in narrow foreheads), and inability to use the forehead flap when the donor site is involved are often encountered during surgery. To avoid these issues, three unusual designs of the forehead flap are presented, and also a new algorithm is proposed to guide surgeons in their solutions.


METHODS
Nineteen patients (10 women and nine men) were managed with 21 forehead flaps to restore the nasal, medial canthal and frontal defects caused by skin tumours. The flaps were applied as interpolation island, V-Y island, and transverse peninsular designs in 12, four and three patients, respectively. All donor sites were closed primarily except one, where a split thickness skin graft was used.


RESULTS
The average follow-up was 14 months. All flaps survived (totally) but in one partial necrosis developed. Aesthetic and functional recoveries were acceptable in all patients.


CONCLUSIONS
Based on the algorithm presented, the forehead flaps with their superb anatomic characteristics including rich vascular supply and pliable skin can be safely used in either classic or extraordinary fashion for small to medium sized defects of the nasoorbital and frontal regions.
Tan
Onder
O
Ataturk University, Medical Faculty, Department of Plastic Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery, Erzurum, Turkey. drondertan@yahoo.com <drondertan@yahoo.com>
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000465:Algorithms; D002277:Carcinoma / Q000534:rehabilitation / Q000601:surgery*; D003663:Decision Trees; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D005546:Forehead; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010347:Patient Care Planning; D019651:Plastic Surgery Procedures / Q000379:methods*; D012878:Skin Neoplasms / Q000534:rehabilitation / Q000601:surgery*; D016038:Skin Transplantation / Q000379:methods*; D013524:Surgical Flaps; D016896:Treatment Outcome