The Temporal Artery Island Flap: A Good Reconstructive Option for Small to Medium Sized Facial Defects

Publication date: Available online 19 September 2017
Source:Journal of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
Author(s): Said Algan, Murat Kara, Hakan Cinal, Ensar Zafer Barin, Akin Inaloz, Onder Tan
PurposeThe reconstruction of facial defects is esthetically vital due to unique skin color and texture of the face. The aim of this study is to show the effectiveness of different styles of the temporal artery island flap for the reconstruction of upper and middle facial defects without losing color and texture of the face.Materials and MethodsThis study is retrospective case series conducted between November 2004 and May 2015. Patients over 18 years old, having upper and middle facial defects less than 5 cm were included.ResultsWe used the temporal artery island flapin 34 patients (21 males and 13 females) in our clinic. The etiologies were skin tumor in 17 patients, trauma in 10 patients, and burns in 7 patients. Major defect localization was the temporal area in 12 patients, followed by ear in 9 patients, cheek in 6 patients, eyebrow in 4 patients and nose in 3 patients The flaps' styles composed of antegrade flowed island flap, V-Y flap and reverse flowed island flap in 23, 7 and 4 patients, respectively. All flaps survived completely except of only one partial flap necrosis. Scars in the donor areas were inconspicuous. The median age was 47.5 years (quartiles 40.75-54), 61.8% male and median duration of follow-up was 11 months (ranging from 6 to 18 months).ConclusionsThe temporal artery island flap may be a good option for closure of minor to medium sized defects of the upper and middle face with its advantages including good color and texture match, constant and reliable pedicle, wide pivotal movement, low donor site morbidity, and use in reverse flow pattern.



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