Reconstruction of Head and Neck Capillary Malformations With Free Perforator Flaps for Aesthetic Purposes.
BACKGROUND
Capillary malformations (CMs) are composed of dilated capillaries and venules in the dermis layer. They appear as pink- or purple-colored lesions on the involved skin and usually follow a dermatomal distribution. Generally, laser treatment is considered the treatment of choice; however, in some patients, a surgical approach should be considered. This article presents the authors' experiences with free perforator flap transfer to the head and neck after resection of CMs for aesthetic purposes.


METHODS
A total of 5 patients with CMs on their head and neck underwent operations for aesthetic purposes. After lesion debulking, defect sizes were measured and precise flaps were designed. A primary flap-thinning procedure was needed in obese patients before flap inset. The donor site was closed primarily in 4 cases.


RESULTS
Thoracodorsal artery perforator free flaps were performed in all patients. The average size of harvested flaps was 146.8 cm. All flaps survived without recurrence of CM on the skin paddle of the transferred flap. Aesthetic restoration and high patient satisfaction were achieved after the surgery.


CONCLUSIONS
The authors used free flaps to improve aesthetic outcomes, which have been used for reconstruction after trauma and malignancy. Free perforator flap transfer should be considered a valuable option for head and neck CMs.
From the Department of Plastic Surgery, Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Seoul, Korea.
Dong-Han
DH
Lee
Jai-Kyong
JK
Pyon
Goo-Hyun
GH
Mun
Sa-Ik
SI
Bang
Kap Sung
KS
Oh
So Young
SY
Lim
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D005260:Female; D058752:Free Tissue Flaps / Q000098:blood supply / Q000637:transplantation*; D006257:Head; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009333:Neck; D061525:Perforator Flap / Q000098:blood supply / Q000637:transplantation*; D019339:Port-Wine Stain / Q000601:surgery*; D019651:Plastic Surgery Procedures / Q000379:methods*