Use of Retroauricular Temporal Flap for Large Post Oncosurgical Glabellar and Forehead Defects

Abstract

Introduction: Reconstruction of large defect in glabellar and forehead areas poses a perplexing problem for a reconstructive surgeon. Although coverage of small defect can be straight forward, few options are available for the coverage of large area. Materials and methods: Two patients were operated for recurrent basal cell carcinoma and dermatofibrosarcoma respectively. Excision left very large defect which was reconstructed by retroauricular temporal flap. Results: Both flaps survived completely. Flap cutting and final insetting was done on 21st day. The postoperative result was very satisfactory. Conclusions: Retroauricular temporal (Washio) flap is a robust and reliable flap. It satisfactorily caters the need of the recipient area. The scars are oncologically and esthetically acceptable. We believe that this technique is a simple and effective solution to a difficult problem.