title: Use of a patient and observer scar assessment scale to evaluate the V-Y advancement flap for reconstruction of medial cheek defects.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The V-Y advancement flap (VYF) is not commonly used to reconstruct defects located on the medial cheek. The quantitative assessment of VYF for this indication has not been reported. In evaluation of surgical scarring, the Patient and Observer Scar Assessment Scale (POSAS) has been validated for use in burn and breast surgery scars, but its usefulness in dermatologic surgery has not been determined.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  To present our experience with the use of the POSAS to assess the success of VYF reconstruction for surgical defects on the medial cheek.
  
  
  METHODS
  Fourteen patients with medium to large (>5 cm(2) ) medial cheek Mohs defects reconstructed using VYF were assessed. Final cosmetic and functional results were analyzed after a follow-up of 6 months to 2 years (mean follow-up 21 months) using the POSAS.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Observers using the POSAS gave a mean score for VYF reconstructions of 9.1 ± 2.3 (5 represents normal skin, 50 represents worst imaginable scar). Patients using the POSAS gave a mean score for VYF reconstructions of 10 ± 4 (6 representing normal skin, 60 representing worst imaginable scar).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  VYF reconstruction of medium to large defects of the medial cheek is a useful option. The POSAS may be a helpful tool for evaluating reconstructive results in dermatologic surgery.
authors.affiliation: Department of Dermatology and Skin Science, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada. eraklyar@hotmail.com.
authors.forename: Eduard
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Raklyar
authors.forename: David M
authors.initials: DM
authors.lastname: Zloty
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D002610:Cheek / Q000601:surgery*; D002921:Cicatrix / Q000209:etiology / Q000473:pathology*; D005153:Facial Neoplasms / Q000601:surgery*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D015580:Mohs Surgery; D019651:Plastic Surgery Procedures / Q000009:adverse effects; D012878:Skin Neoplasms / Q000601:surgery*; D013524:Surgical Flaps / Q000009:adverse effects