title: Complications in facial flap surgery.
abstract: Local flaps are a common reconstructive technique of the head and neck. Consequently, knowledge of fundamental concepts and pitfalls to avoid will reduce surgical complications. These complications result from tension-related, ischemic, hematologic, and infectious causes. This paper seeks to address each of these causes with pearls to accomplish a successful outcome.
authors.affiliation: Division of Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery, Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Duke University Medical Center, DUMC 3805, Durham, NC 27710, USA. Electronic address: charles.woodard@duke.edu.
authors.forename: Charles R
authors.initials: CR
authors.lastname: Woodard
mesh_terms: D005145:Face / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D011300:Preoperative Care / Q000379:methods*; D019651:Plastic Surgery Procedures / Q000379:methods*; D012307:Risk Factors; D013524:Surgical Flaps
keywords: Complications; Facial flap; Hematoma; Infection; Ischemia; Mohs reconstruction; Tension