Supraclavicular Flap for Reconstruction of the Face

Abstract

The aesthetic and functional role of the human face can not be overemphasized. It is keystone in perception of self-identity and represents the most striking features of an individual's being. Being a place of concentration of major perceptive organs, like eyes, ears and nose, the face also has direct involvement in emotional and social communication. Facial disfigurements may present in different forms, varying from minor nuisances to severe debilitating problems. The main goals in reconstruction of severely deformed face include restoration of function, comfort and appearance. Nowadays we have plenty of surgical modalities to fulfill these tasks, including cadaveric face transplantation. However, neither of the procedures can be considered as fully consistent in terms of achievable results. Here we describe reconstruction of face by expanded supraclavicular flap. Two clinical cases are presented. We performed a three-stage reconstruction, which included implantation of tissue expander in supraclavicular area, subsequent transfer of a fasciocutanous flap onto the face, and finally, pedicle division of the flap with additional scar revision. A satisfactory fascial shape has been achieved. We believe that supraclavicular flap, prefabricated by expansion is a powerful tool for autologous reconstruction of face and can be successfully used in selected cases.

Reconstruction of Maxillofacial Cancer Defects by Supraclavicular Flaps

“…The SCF is safe, capable of being rapidly and easily harvested in addition to being valuable for reconstructing a variety of maxillofacial defects. It is considered to be the 'workhorse' popular locoregional maxillofacial reconstruction flaps being thin with short harvesting time, reliable vascular supply, wide arc of rotation, as well being close to the skin of the face both in the sense of texture and pliability with matching color to the maxillofacial region and also does not require microsurgical training (18,19). In our study, we have assessed the reliability of the supraclavicular flap in the orofacial region.…”