Objective To probe the principle and the method to repair facial soft tissue defect with the prefabricated expander flap the neck with the vessles of temporalis superficialis. Methods The expandor was implanted into the surface layer of the platysma in neck. The pedicle of the expander flap contained the arteria temporalis superficialis and its ramux parietalis. After 3 months, the prefabricated island expander flaps pedicled with the arteria temporalis superficialis and its ramux parietalis could be transferred to the face. From 1998 to 2003, 6 cases of facial soft tissue defects were repaired. The maximal flap size was 12 cm×8 cm.Thepedicel length was 7.8 cm.Results After a follow-up of 3-6 months, all expander flaps survived. The excellent function and cosmetic result were achieved. Conclusion The prefabricated expander flaps of the neck pedicled with the arteria temporalis superficialis and its ramux parietalis can be transferred to the upperface to repair tissues defect. The supply of blood of the prefabricated expander flaps were safe and reliable. The survived areas of the flaps are directly proportional to the areas of temporalis superficialis fascia combining the expander flaps.
Citation: LI Yangqun,ZHOU Chuande,YANG Mingyong,et al.. REPAIR OF FACE SOFT TISSUE DEFECT WITH PREFABRICATED THE NECK EXPANDER FLAP WITH THE VESSLES OF TEMPORALIS SUPERFICIALIS. Chinese Journal of Reparative and Reconstructive Surgery, 2005, 19(2): 130-132. doi: Copy