A Protocol for Management of the Hairs Problem in Oral Cavity Reconstruction by Submental Flap

Abstract

Background Submental flap is a useful aid in maxillofacial reconstruction. For intraoral usage the hairs in male patients will create some problems. Materials and Methods In a retrospective study, patients in whom submental flap had been used for reconstruction of orofacial region between 2007 and 2013, in the Mashhad University, Ghaem Hospital, were included. The ways in which the problem of hairs was solved in male patients were evaluated. Results There were 42 patients in whom submental flap was used for orofacial reconstruction. Sixty percent were males. Three ways had been used for management of intraoral hairs: radiotherapy (9 patients), second surgery (2 patients) and flap de-epithelialization (13 patients). Conclusion Deepithelialized variant of submental flap is the best option when submental flap is used for oral cavity reconstruction in male patients. Flap thickness, age, race and postoperative radiotherapy can have strong influence on this strategy.

The pedicle elongation of submental artery perforator flap for reconstruction in the head and neck

“…If further from the perspective of plastic surgery to solve the problem, usually can be used laser hair removal method, focus area radiotherapy or secondary operation skin flap epithelization to solve the problem of hair growth. As an important part of the body, the head, neck and maxillofacial region cannot be completely removed by conventional mechanical methods, and laser hair removal is often the preferred method [25] . For patients with malignant tumor, with postoperative radiotherapy, the hair in the flap will gradually stop growing; 2.…”

Donor site morbidity in submental flap: Emphasizing on facial hairs direction

“…In male patients, donor site morbidity is more important due to their problem with growth of beard hair. [ 7 ] Hair density in the submentum and upper neck determines the esthetic results. Abrupt hair direction changes occur in patients with high-density hairs in the submentum and low-density hairs in the upper neck.…”

Modified submental platysmal adipomyofascial flap: is it a reliable alternate reconstructive option for small- to mid-sized defects especially in male patients with oral/oropharyngeal cancer?

“…To overcome the problem of hair growth on flaps harvested from hair growing areas of the body, various options such as second surgery, radiation, de-epithelialization and laser epilation have been described in the past [15,16]. In a study by Rahpeyma et al [17] three ways had been used for management of intraoral hairs: radiotherapy, second surgery and flap de-epithelialization. In nine male patients who needed radiotherapy after surgery (because of the malignant mucosal lesions), the main role of adjuvant RT was for controlling the local recurrence of disease but was additive for the management of transferred hair in the oral cavity.…”

“…In nine male patients who needed radiotherapy after surgery (because of the malignant mucosal lesions), the main role of adjuvant RT was for controlling the local recurrence of disease but was additive for the management of transferred hair in the oral cavity. In two patients with verrucous carcinoma of the hard palate and alveolar process, a second surgery was done to eliminate the intraoral hair growth on the flap, whereas in the remaining male patients (52%), flap de-epithelialization was done during the surgery for removing unwanted hair [17].…”