Reconstruction of the lower face and the anterior neck with a bipedicled expanded flap / 中华整形外科杂志

ABSTRACT

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To explain a method for lower face and anterior neck reconstruction.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Tissue expanders were implanted subcutaneously beside the defect. When the skin was properly expanded, the bipedicled expanded skin flap was created and transferred to the lower face and the anterior neck. If the defect can not be repaired by one stage, the expanded skin was re-expanded for the rest.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>11 patients have been treated with this method since 1990. All flaps survived and all the defects have been successfully repaired with satisfactory results.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>The bipedicled expanded flap, which provided good blood supply, improved the survival rate of the flap and reduced the incision scar on the face, is an effective surgical procedure.</p>