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

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.