INTRODUCTION: We have developed secondary vascularized “hairy” flaps for reconstruction of hair-bearing area. The purpose of this study is to review the clinical outcome of the eyebrow reconstruction with this procedure retrospectively. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We have experienced 6 cases of eyebrow reconstruction with this procedure. Unilateral eyebrow reconstruction was performed in 4 cases and bilateral reconstruction in 2 cases using single vascular pedicle. Deep inferior epigastric vessels were harvested, anastomosed to superficial temporal vessels and buried underneath the temporal galea so that final eyebrow stream should be natural. After three weeks, vascular bundle and overlying scalp was elevated as a secondary vascularized “hairy” flap and transferred as an island flap. RESULTS: All flaps were completely survived although they initially exhibited slight congestion. Hair in the distal side of the flap was occasionally depilated temporarily, but mostly grew within a few months. CONCLUSIONS: The major advantage of this procedure includes that; (1) total eyebrow reconstruction can be achieved in two staged operation, (2) it can be applicable even in scar tissue in which adequate vascular supply cannot be expected for minigraft. In conclusion, secondary vascularized “hairy” flaps may be one of the ideal procedures for eyebrow reconstruction.
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