Thursday, March 18, 2004 - 1:55 PM
5399

Camouflage Free Flaps

Benjamin Hornik, MD

Large lip and chin defects frequently require distant tissue for reconstruction. Aesthetically pleasing results are difficult to achieve because of the different skin qualities, color, and texture of distant flaps. These differences can be assuaged by the use of distant flaps with similar color to the lip and chin and especially of a hair bearing nature. We have used the temporoparietalis fascio-cutaneous or fascio-osteo-cutaneous free flap for aesthetic unit reconstruction of these defects. Four male patients with defects of the upper and or lower lip, chin and anterior mandible were reconstructed with this method. Patient photographs and flap design will be presented. The nature of the mustache/beard aesthetic unit replacement is such that the camouflaging flap allows the abnormal tissue of the defect not only to be filled with tissue that is somewhat “like” the normal tissue, but also provides a “new look.” This, we believe, may add the psychological benefit of change and hope to the patient. This approach has distinct advantages over traditional composite reconstruction in the male patient. This flap may be rendered into complex shapes. Its similar skin color, ability to include bone and especially hair bearing quality constitute its major advantages.