Repair of Defects in the Scalp and Face With Expanded Superficial Temporal Artery Flaps: A Single-Center Retrospective Study

Abstract

Background and Objective: Defects resulted from the removal of large scars, benign tumors, severe pigmentation abnormalities, and vascular malformations, etc., in the scalp and face need to be repaired to restore the appearance. Here, the authors introduced the application of various expanded superficial temporal artery (STA) flaps in the repair of above defects. Methods: From Jan. 2015 to Dec. 2018, 19 patients with craniofacial secondary defects received the repair with expanded STA flaps in our clinic. The defects were resulted from the removal of scalp scar (n ¼ 6), neurofibroma (n ¼ 4), sebaceous nevus (n ¼ 3), arteriovenous malformation (n ¼ 2), facial scar (n ¼ 2), and portwine stain (n ¼ 2). The expanded STA flaps included 14 cases of flaps pedicled by parietal branch of STA, 2 cases of flaps pedicled by parietal branch of STA combined with laser hair removal, 1 case of flaps pedicled by frontal branch of STA, and 2 cases of prefabricated expanded skin flap with the superficial temporal fascia in the neck. Results: The two-stage operation and water-filling expansion were accomplished in all patients. All flaps survived well, except one flap with venous congestion, which resolved after blood-letting and application of drugs promoting venous draining. In the three to six months follow-up, the flaps' color, texture, and thickness were satisfying. Conclusions: Individual application of different types of expanded STA flaps could achieve ideal results in repairing craniofacial secondary defects.

Superficial Temporal Artery Posterior Branch Flap for Reconstruction of Composite Oral/Perioral Defects

“…15 Flaps based on the parietal branch are typically reserved for areas with hair growth, and their adaptability enables their combination with tissue expansion. 16,17 Some authors still prefer to use flaps based on the frontal branch for facial reconstruction, reserving the parietal branch for scalp reconstruction. 18 In terms of lip reconstruction, reports have predominantly focused on the upper lip or defects that partially involve the lower lip, such as commissural defects.…”

“…This versatility allows for the harvest of single or composite flaps based on the superficial temporal artery and its branches, contingent on the location and characteristics of the defect to be repaired 15 . Flaps based on the parietal branch are typically reserved for areas with hair growth, and their adaptability enables their combination with tissue expansion 16,17 . Some authors still prefer to use flaps based on the frontal branch for facial reconstruction, reserving the parietal branch for scalp reconstruction 18 …”