Anatomical research and clinical application of expended facial artery perforator flaps with cervical small perforators / 中华整形外科杂志

ABSTRACT

Objective@#To explore the anatomy of expended facial artery perforator flaps with cervical small perforators and its clinical application for extensive facial defects with this flap.@*Methods@#Necks of fresh cadavers were dissected for studying the anatomy basis of expended facial artery perforator flaps with cervical small perforators. Based on the anatomy, two-stage operation was performed. In the first stage, expander was embedded above the platysma and the pedicle, cervical small facial artery perforator was reserved. In the second stage, the expended perforator flap was transferred as propeller flap, advanced flap or tunnel flap to reconstruct extensive facial defects.@*Results@#Cadavers dissection revealed 3 or 4 perforators were derived from facial artery when it crossed marginal mandibular and vertically penetrated platysma to the superficial fascia layer to supply cervical skin. In clinic, all flaps presented with satisfactory functional and aesthetic outcomes.@*Conclusions@#This design of expended facial artery perforator flaps with cervical small perforators provide an excellent method for reconstruction of extensive facial defects.