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Reconstruction of Large Cervicofacial Defects With Expanded Island Superficial Temporal Artery Flaps and an 810-nm Diode Laser Hair Removal Technique

Authors :
Huang Xin
Wang Zhichao
Yi-Hui Gu
Yashan Gao
Shuchen Gu
Xiangwen Xu
Tao Zan
Jie-Yi Ren
Bin Gu
Haizhou Li
Source :
Annals of Plastic Surgery. 88:162-167
Publication Year :
2021
Publisher :
Ovid Technologies (Wolters Kluwer Health), 2021.

Abstract

Background Extensive cervicofacial reconstruction is challenging for plastic surgeons. Because of the location of the adjacent scalp flap nourished by the superficial temporal artery (STA), it can be a candidate for cervicofacial reconstruction. Objectives This article aims to report a combined treatment of an expanded island STA flap and an 810-nm diode laser hair removal technique for extensive cervicofacial defects. Methods Between January 2015 and December 2018, 10 patients with lower face and neck scar contraction were reconstructed with a bilateral or unilateral expanded STA island flap and an 810-nm diode laser for hair removal in this retrospective study. Hair removal via the 810-nm laser was started when the injected volume reached the volume of the expander, with a fluence of 35 to 40 J/cm2 and a 1 to 2 Hz repetition rate. Before second-stage surgery, the hair reduction rate was assessed. Twelve months after surgery, the degree of epilation efficacy according to the satisfaction scale and Global Aesthetic Improvement Scale was evaluated. Results This study included 2 single-pedicle flaps and 8 double-pedicle flaps. The average size of the implanted expanders was 600 mL. The average injected volume was 1405 mL. Before second surgery, there was a 67.4% hair reduction rate. Twelve months after surgery, the results of Global Aesthetic Improvement Scale were very good (3), good (6), average (1), and poor (0). Conclusions The expanded island STA flap and 810-nm diode laser technique may be a novel treatment option for severe face and neck aesthetic reconstruction.

Details

ISSN :
15363708 and 01487043
Volume :
88
Database :
OpenAIRE
Journal :
Annals of Plastic Surgery
Accession number :
edsair.doi.dedup.....8fddbd87954204a4c322af54e003073c