Analysis of Color Difference in Facial Reconstruction Used Various Flaps

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: Good color match is a key element in facial reconstruction for good aesthetic result. To correct the wide facial soft tissue defect were usually used the tissue expanded cheek flap, deltopectoral flap or radial forearm free flap. This study is aimed to analyse the color difference after flap surgery by using chromameter. METHODS: From August 1995 to December 2006, 30 patients who underwent flap operations were chosen randomly and evaluated color differences between flap site and adjacent skin. Reconstructive procedures included tissue expanded cheek flap(n=10), deltopectoral flap(n= 10), and radial forearm free flap(n=10). The measured sites were flap center within a radius of 1cm and four points of adjacent skin along the flap margin. The colors were quantified in a three dimensional coordinate system composed of L* (brightness), a*(redness), b*(yellowness). RESULTS: There were no significant color differences between the pedicled flaps(tissue expanded cheek flap and deltopectoral flap) and adjacent skin area. On the other hand, color values of the radial forearm free flap were statistically different from those of adjacent skin area. Total color difference(delta E) of tissue expanded cheek flap and deltopectoral flap were 7.45+/-5.78 versus 9.41+/-7.09, and that of radial forearm free flap was 11.74+/-3.85. It suggests that pedicled flaps have a potential of better color match than radial forearm free flap. CONCLUSION: Thus, better esthetic results and satisfaction is more likely to be expected in pedicled flaps as long as it could be applied comparing radial forearm free flap.