Reconstruction with the 'V-Y-S Flap' for the Facial Defect after the Excision of a Skin Cancer

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: There are many methods for the reconstruction of the facial defect after an excision of a skin cancer; such as skin graft, local flap, free flap, etc... Skin graft has its' limitations; it could remain in different color with in regards of the recipient to donor, with an unfavorable scar. Free flap can lead to big donor site morbidity with long operation time and uncontrolled scar as a disadvantage factor. Compared to the prior, local flap offers several merits; sufficient blood supply, good tissue quality and short operation time. We revised 'V-Y-S flap' for the facial defect, which proved to have favorable outcomes. METHODS: Total 7 V-Y-S flaps were performed to patients with skin cancers(six squamous cell carcinoma and one basal cell carcinoma). Two of these flaps were combined with composite grafts, one with full thickness skin graft. Six patients were female and one male. The average diameter of defects after excision was 2.3cm. The follow-up period was 18 months maximally. RESULTS: We treated seven facial skin cancers with 'V-Y-S flap'. There were no flap necrosis, cancer recurrence and scar contracture as a result. Furthermore, this method also offers a favorable central scar line that is parallel to the nasolabial fold and the nasojugal groove, especially in the nasolabial area and superomedial side of the cheek. With this method, we could cover a maximum diameter of 4cm facial defect. CONCLUSION: In conclusion, it is suggested that V-Y- S flap is a useful mehtod to cover facial defects after the excision of a skin cancer.