ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: The submental artery island flap is a reliable reconstructive option for lower face defects. Advantages of this flap include suppleness of tissue, excellent color and texture match to facial skin, a wide arc of rotation, prominent blood supply, and a well-hidden donor site scar. METHODS: This article describes a 61-year-old man with eccrine carcinoma of the chin necessitating extensive excision. A submental artery island flap was used for the reconstruction of the extended chin subunit. RESULTS: The operation resulted in excellent aesthetic outcome and maintenance of oral competence. CONCLUSION: The submental artery island flap utilizes loose tissue of the submental area to effectively and reliably reconstruct the soft tissue subunits of the chin and is a superb option for sizable defects. The flap is sufficiently well vascularized to tolerate postoperative radiation therapy without significant fibrosis or retraction.
