A trial on subcutaneous pedicle island flap for eyebrow reconstruction

OUP accepted manuscript

We herein report a novel technique for managing large forehead skin defects that include the eyebrows and upper eyelid. Case 1 was of a 55-year-old woman with an eccrine carcinoma (T2N0M0) at the right forehead, resulting in a skin defect 15 cm in diameter. Case 2 was of an 81-year-old man with a malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumor (T1a N0M0) at the left forehead, resulting in a skin defect 18 cm in diameter. A pedicled temporal hairline flap and free forearm flap were combined and placed on the defect, and good eyebrows and forehead morphology was ultimately achieved.

Cicatricial eyebrow restoration using the follicular unit extraction technique

INTRODUCTION

Cicatricial eyebrow loss that occurs after trauma or burns considerably reduces a person's self-confidence. Several methods, either surgical or nonsurgical, have been defined to reconstruct eyebrows. This study focused on eyebrow restoration using the atraumatic follicular unit extraction (FUE) technique in patients and emphasized certain details that should be considered during the treatment process. In this study, we discussed the management of 18 cases using this technique and their outcomes with respect to published literature.

METHODS

This study examined eyebrow restoration performed using a modified FUE technique in 18 patients who had cicatricial eyebrow loss due to trauma, excised congenital giant nevus, or burns. Moreover, special methods, including platelet-rich plasma, microneedling, steroid injections, and fat grafting, were used in each patient to increase the odds of graft survival.

RESULTS

Aesthetically and functionally satisfactory outcomes were observed along with the appropriate orientation and symmetry of the eyebrows in all patients' follow-ups. Moreover, patients exhibited increased self-confidence, and the quality of skin, particularly in the transplantation area, was improved. There was no complication either in the recipient or donor site.

CONCLUSION

Eyebrow restoration using the atraumatic FUE technique should be considered as the first treatment option in cases with cicatricial eyebrow loss as long as an appropriate evaluation and treatment method is followed for each patient.

Clinical outcomes and technical tips for eyebrow restoration using single-follicular-unit hair transplantation: A case series review

BACKGROUND

Clinical outcomes of eyebrow restoration with single-follicular-unit hair transplantation largely depend on the surgeon's anatomic knowledge, experience, and technical skills.

AIMS

To evaluate the effect of the reconstruction with single follicular unit transplantation on eyebrow loss and provide technical tips.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

A total of 352 patients with eyebrow loss were recruited. A template of the restoration region was modeled or specifically designed. The scalp strips from the back occipital or retro-auricular regions were harvested for single follicular unit hair. The follicles were transplanted by punching recipient area with 21-G syringe needle. Patients were followed up every 2 months for 4 years after surgery.

RESULTS

Out of 352, 320 (91%) patients had their transplanted hair grow well with satisfactory direction and appearance. Seventeen patients (5%) experienced encryption transplantation of a sparse hair for the first 6 months but felt satisfied afterward. Twelve (3%) patients did a simple make-up on the transplanted hair because there was an obvious difference between the transplanted hair and the natural one. Three (1%) patients with burned injury suffered of mild folliculitis and cured by 75% alcohol inunction. All patients had no obvious scar at the donor sites.

CONCLUSION

Single follicular transplantation for eyebrow loss resulted in natural restorations with excellent satisfaction. The technique is simple, safe, and effective. The usage of syringe needle, microscope slide forceps, and a magnifier could implant the hair in a right angle, desired direction and depth, and increase the survival rate.

Use of Modified Islanded Paramedian Forehead Flap for Complex Periocular Facial Reconstruction

The paramedian forehead flap is a workhorse flap for reconstructing the nose and periorbital regions. Many variants are described including an islanded flap. However, eyebrow reconstruction is not usually performed with these flaps. The authors describe a patient suffering from postburn scarring medial to the left eye, including loss of the left eyebrow. He underwent a single-stage transfer of the paramedian forehead flap. The flap incorporated scalp hair, which restored the missing eyebrow hair after transfer. The donor defect closed primarily. The paramedian forehead flap is amenable to customization by including a segment of hair-bearing scalp to concomitantly reconstruct the nasal dorsum and eyebrow.

Aesthetic Eyebrow Reconstruction with an Expanded Scalp Island Flap Pedicled by the Superficial Temporal Artery

PURPOSE

This case study demonstrates a new operative method of eyebrow reconstruction, in which the hair density of the reconstructed eyebrow is controlled by the surgeon and is more similar to that of the uninjured side, resulting in a more natural facial expression and greater aesthetic value for our patients.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The operation was divided into two stages: Stage 1: Implantation of a soft tissue expander into the corresponding subgaleal position of the parietal branch of the superficial temporal artery on the injured side, followed by dilation of the expander until the density of the hair on the expanded scalp reached a suitable value and was lower than that of the uninjured eyebrow. Stage 2: Harvesting of the scalp island flap pedicled by the superficial temporal artery, the end of which was attached to the expanded scalp, followed by the downward movement of the flap to the defect site of the eyebrow via a subcutaneous tunnel, resulting in new eyebrow formation.

RESULTS

In eight cases who were monitored for 4-16 months of follow-up, almost all of the reconstructed eyebrows successfully assumed a desirable shape and exhibited a natural appearance, which was consistent with preoperative expectations; the transplanted hairs were highly similar to those of the original eyebrows. All participants remained healthy after the operation, which was indicated by sufficient blood supply to the expanded flap and normal growth of a new eyebrow without postoperative complications.

CONCLUSION

Our study demonstrated the excellent performance of an innovative procedure in which a expanded scalp island flap pedicled by the superficial temporal artery was used in the construction of a new eyebrow. It can be performed very safely and reliably to ensure expected results.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE V

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[Reconstruction of the eyebrow by composite graft of the scalp: a trick to facilitate the technique]

Les sourcils jouent un rôle important dans l’équilibre esthétique du visage. Leur reconstruction ou ophriopoïése, après séquelle de brûlure fait partie intégrante du programme de réhabilitation de la face brûlée. Plusieurs techniques ont été décrites. Nous insistons ici sur l'intérêt d'une technique simple, à la portée de tous les chirurgiens, et dont la méthode et les résultats peuvent être améliorés par un dessin bien planifié des zones donneuse et receveuse: la greffe composite prélevée au niveau du cuir chevelu dessinée à l'aide d'un calque du sourcil controlatéral.

A surgical algorithm for partial or total eyebrow flap reconstruction

The eyebrow is one of the five aesthetic sub-units of the forehead and it plays a key role in communication and facial expression. Reconstruction of this region can be challenging. Several methods have been described, mostly based on the size of the defect and on the part of the eyebrow that they involve. We describe our experience in 48 patients underlining the importance of a surgical algorithm for repairing eyebrow defects.

Posttraumatic eyebrow reconstruction with hair-bearing temporoparietal fascia flap

The temporoparietal fascia flap has been extensively used in craniofacial reconstructions. However, its use for eyebrow reconstruction has been sporadically reported. We describe a successfully repaired hair-bearing temporoparietal fascia flap after traumatic avulsion of eyebrow. Temporoparietal fascia flap is a versatile tool and should be considered as a therapeutic option by all plastic surgeons.

A multi-staged approach to the reconstruction of a burnt Asian face

This article describes the management of chemical burns to the Asian face with resultant full thickness loss to the right side of the face including the eyelid and nose. We detail the techniques used to reconstruct the face which include skin grafting according to the aesthetic units of the face, accurate placement of junction lines, use of a chondrocutaneous graft to reconstruct the alar grove and scalp strip grafting for eyebrow reconstruction. We obtained a successful result that minimised scar formation in the burnt Asian face.