Reverse-Flow Retroauricular Island Flap in Facial Reconstruction

Abstract

This flap can be used reliably for the reconstruction of facial skin defects of small and medium size. The preference of frontal branch pedicled flap enables more distal facial area defects to be covered, such as dorsal nasal, nasolabial, and upper lip, than flaps based on parietal branch.

Surgical Outcomes of Using Temporoparietal Fasciocutaneus and Temporoparietal Pedicle Flap for Auricular Reconstruction

“…In all our patients who underwent auricular reconstruction with the TPFC, the redness of the skin flap was apparent a few days after the surgery; according to many authors, this is a sign of an excellent blood supply and fast healing of the tissue. 2 , 4 , 5 , 10 , 26 , 27 Given the fast and uneventful healing, the patients after auricular reconstruction with regional flaps were relatively early eligible for adjuvant treatment, such as radiotherapy and chemotherapy. A minor disadvantage of the reconstruction with the TPFC is the necessity to shave the hair growing on the newly formed auricle.…”

“…Further, Benlier reported on the use of reverse TPF with the utilization of reverse blood flow from an anastomotic network of the supratrochlear and supraorbital arteries to the frontal branch and anastomotic connection between the occipital artery and the parietal branch. 2 , 3 Due to all the characteristics mentioned above, the TPF has a high survivability rate and can provide an optimal blood supply for other transplanted tissues. 4 - 6 …”