BackgroundTo assess outcomes of pectoralis major myocutaneous flap (PMF) wherein the skin paddle (SP) was positioned with its distal portion extending beyond the lower border of pectoralis major by ≥2 cm (PMF‐d).MethodsConsecutive head and neck reconstructions with PMF‐d (n = 110). SP dimensions l2 (distal extent below the lower border of pectoralis major), l1 (proximal extent above lower border of pectoralis major), and b (breadth) were recorded. Endpoints were SP necrosis, recipient dehiscence, early fistula, and persistent fistula.ResultsMedian values of l2, l1, and b were 3.0, 6.0, and 6.0 cm, respectively. When l2 = 2.0–3.0 cm, SP necrosis occurred in only one (1%) subject (with obesity). When l2 was ≥3.5 cm, necrosis occurred in four (16%) subjects, three of whom also had l1/l2 < 2.0 (proximal SP < 67% of entire SP). Statistically, increased l2 was the only risk factor for necrosis (p = 0.001). Overall, incidence of recipient dehiscence, early fistula, and persistent fistula were 32 (29%), 20 (20%), and 3 (3%), respectively. Persistent fistula occurred only in the setting of SP necrosis and/or re‐irradiation.ConclusionCareful patient selection, adequate proximal SP, and l2 = 2.0–3.0 cm is associated with a negligible risk of necrosis. The enhanced reach and laxity and additional skin surface area and soft tissue volume conferred with PMF‐d facilitate recipient wound healing.