Reconstruction of Head and Neck Capillary Malformations With Free Perforator Flaps for Aesthetic Purposes.
Ann Plast Surg 2014;
77:13-6. [PMID:
25393498 DOI:
10.1097/sap.0000000000000337]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND
Capillary malformations (CMs) are composed of dilated capillaries and venules in the dermis layer. They appear as pink- or purple-colored lesions on the involved skin and usually follow a dermatomal distribution. Generally, laser treatment is considered the treatment of choice; however, in some patients, a surgical approach should be considered. This article presents the authors' experiences with free perforator flap transfer to the head and neck after resection of CMs for aesthetic purposes.
PATIENTS AND METHODS
A total of 5 patients with CMs on their head and neck underwent operations for aesthetic purposes. After lesion debulking, defect sizes were measured and precise flaps were designed. A primary flap-thinning procedure was needed in obese patients before flap inset. The donor site was closed primarily in 4 cases.
RESULTS
Thoracodorsal artery perforator free flaps were performed in all patients. The average size of harvested flaps was 146.8 cm. All flaps survived without recurrence of CM on the skin paddle of the transferred flap. Aesthetic restoration and high patient satisfaction were achieved after the surgery.
CONCLUSIONS
The authors used free flaps to improve aesthetic outcomes, which have been used for reconstruction after trauma and malignancy. Free perforator flap transfer should be considered a valuable option for head and neck CMs.
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