ABSTRACT
OBJECTIVE: To investigate the method and indications for reconstruction of facial complicated soft tissue defects with free flaps by microsurgery. METHODS: 37 patients (16 males and 21 females, aged from 1 to 54 years) with different size of facial soft tissue defects were reconstructed with free flaps, including 10 latissimus dorsi myocutaneous flaps, 3 thoracodorsal artery perforator flaps, 9 scapular flaps, forearm flaps and 9 postauricular flaps. The defects size ranged from 1 cm x 2 cm to 25 cm x 12 cm. RESULTS: Venous obstruction happened in 3 postauricular flaps, resulting partial necrosis in 2 flaps. All the other flaps survived completely. The cosmetic and functional results were both satisfactory. CONCLUSIONS: The facial complicated soft tissue defects can be treated successfully with free flaps by microsurgery. The wounds can be healed primarily with short recovery time and reliable cosmetic and functional result.
