Facial reconstruction with free lateral arm flap)

Abstract

Complex or very extensive malignant facial lesions that are treated by surgical resection are often challenging for the plastic surgeon because of the large social exposure of the site as well as for the limited supply of tissue for reconstruction of the residual skin defect. In these cases it is imperative to first obtain free margins from malignancy, secondly try to recover the functionality of the surgical area and finally seek for favorable aesthetic results. Whenever possible, the facial defect should be restored with tissue of similar thickness, color and texture, for which the surgeon should carefully evaluate the size of the defect, location, tissue layers involved, the relationship with surrounding structures and the available donor tissue, in order to obtain the best final result. For large deformities involving multiple layers of tissue, the Mathes and Nahai concept of the reconstructive triangle can provide better outcomes, giving the surgeon a choice among transposition of locoregional flaps, free flaps, or tissue expansion. Free flaps can better satisfy the need of facial contour and function, they allow a considerable supply of tissue with adequate vascularity, similarity of color, texture and thickness. The authors present a clinical case of a 21-year-old male patient with the diagnosis of recurrent basal cell carcinoma of the right cheek who underwent complete resection and reconstruction of the facial defect with a free right lateral arm flap with excellent anatomical and functional results.