Reconstruction of facial defects with superficial temporal artery based flaps: Clinical research

Aim: The reconstruction of facial defects is one of the most important area of plastic surgery. Numerous methods have been described for the reconstruction of defects due to malignancy or trauma. In our study, it was aimed to obtain more aesthetic appearance and functional results by the use of superficial temporal artery based flaps instead of other methods. In addition, this flap is intended to achieve better results with more reliable and shorter procedures rather than long and risky surgical procedures such as free flaps for the reconstruction of large defects especially in elderly patients. Material and Method: 24 patients who were operated between 2009-2018 were evaluated retrospectively. Clinical notes and surgery notes of the patients were analyzed. Age, gender, reasons of admission, tumor type, surgical procedures and complications and chronic diseases of the patients were determined. The photographs of the patients were taken before and after the reconstruction surgery were evaluated. The photographs of the patients were evaluated by ten different plastic surgery specialists using the likert scale. Results: The mean age of the patients between the ages of 20 and 95 was calculated as 70,75. 12 patients were female and 12 were male. The defects due to BCC excision in 14 patiens and due to SCC excision in 8 patients were reconstructed. According to the results of the Likert scale, it was seen that all flaps were acceptable, good and very good in the evaluation of aesthetic appearance. It is concluded that the island flaps are very well adapted to the facial defects in terms of general appearance, flap contour, color matching and texture matching. Conclusion: STA-based flaps are easy to dissect, circulation is reliable, the pedicle is long and thin, rotation arc is wide. The flap is compatible with the face in terms of color, texture and thickness. The flap can be planned with or without hair. Hence STA based flaps should be kept in mind as the first choice in the reconstruction of facial defects. Key Words: Island flap, forehead flap, facial reconstruction, superficial temporal artery.