Reconstruction of acquired defects of the face
remains one of the most challenging tasks for the
reconstructive surgeon [1].
There are several reconstructive options for
facial defects including primary repair, skin grafts,
local flaps, regional flaps, or distant and free flaps.
The choice of reconstructive procedure depends
on several factors including size, location, and
involvement of deeper structures [2].
Reliable and simultaneous reconstruction of
head and neck defects has been made possible by
the development and application of different flap < br />techniques. It is possible to reconstruct most defects
immediately, which leads to better restoration of
form and function (when rehabilitation takes place
early) [3].
By the end of the 1980s and the beginning of
the 1990s, free flaps became popular, and pedicled
regional flaps were used with decreasing frequency.
In many instances, pedicled regional or microvascular
soft tissue flaps compete for the same indication,
each technique with its advantages and
disadvantages [4].
Larger defects require transfer of more distant
soft tissue sources, such as the cervico-facial,
cervico-pectoral, delto-pectoral, or pectoralis major
flap [5].
For defects of the nose the "workhorse" of
reconstruction including reconstruction of total
nasal loss is the midline forehead flap, while defects
of the Alar area may be repaired with superiorly
based nasolabial flaps [6].