[The application of deltopectoral flaps with delayed expansion in repairing large scars on face].
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the effect of use of deltopectoral flaps with delayed expansion in repairing large scar on face.


METHODS
Thirteen patients with large scars on face received above-mentioned surgery. The cutaneous branches of thoracoacromial artery and transverse cervical artery of patients were divided when the expander was implanted. As a result, the blood supply of expanded deltopectoral flaps principally depended on the second and third intercostal branches of internal thoracic artery, and a delaying effect was achieved. The distribution of vascular net in the flap and the state of blood supply of the flap were observed to evaluate the effect of delaying.


RESULTS
The vascular net of expanded flap increased and thickened. No blood supply disorder occurred at the distal end of the transferred flap. Patients were followed up for 4 to 18 months. The outline of the burn side of face was in accord with the opposite side, which was not fat and clumsy. The complexion of the flap was similar to that of normal skin of the face, and the flap was soft in texture.


CONCLUSIONS
The application of delaying can better ensure the blood supply of transferred deltopectoral flap. The result of applying delayed expansion of deltopectoral flaps in repairing large scars on face was good.
Zhang
Xu-dong
XD
Plastic and Cosmetic Center of Nanjing Military Area Command, the 117th Hospital of PLA, Hangzhou 310013, China.
Zhao
Qi-ming
QM
Gan
Jing-bing
JB
Chen
Li-mei
LM
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D002921:Cicatrix / Q000601:surgery*; D005145:Face / Q000601:surgery; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D019651:Plastic Surgery Procedures / Q000379:methods*; D016038:Skin Transplantation; D013524:Surgical Flaps; D015626:Tissue Expansion; D055815:Young Adult