Optimal Timing of Laser Hair Removal in Expanded Forehead Flap in the Reconstruction of Facial Defects: During or After Tissue Expansion?

Han, Yue; Zhou, Lucia; Yu, Wenxin; Shang, Yan; Qiu, Yajing; Chen, Hui; Jin, Yunbo; Ma, Gang; Zou, Yun; Lin, Xiaoxi

doi:10.1089/fpsam.2022.0200

Cited by 4 publications

(1 citation statement)

References 22 publications

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“…Although this flap was hairy and required postoperative laser hair removal with an 810-nm diode laser, the scar was hidden by the hair, and the results were satisfactory in terms of appearance and function compared with skin grafting. Good results have been reported when tissue expansion is combined with laser hair removal in the head and neck region [ 17 - 19 ]. Although careful preoperative planning is a prerequisite, a combination of flaps may be a useful option when facing difficulties during tissue expansion surgery.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Superficial Temporal Artery Island Flap Combined With Laser Hair Removal for Inadequate Skin Expansion Following Tissue Expansion: A Case Report of Congenital Melanocytic Nevus of the Forehead in an Adult

Yamashiro,

Yoshida,

Sato

et al. 2024

Cureus

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Tissue expansion is a handy reconstructive technique for the head and neck region; however, its implementation requires careful planning and surgical experience. If tissue expansion is inadequate, forced closure results in wound tension and risks complications, such as postoperative deformity, wide scarring, and wound dehiscence. We report a case of adult forehead melanocytic nevus excision using a tissue expander (TE) where complications caused by insufficient tissue expansion were avoided by creating a flap using a dog ear. The patient was a male in his 20s who underwent surgery with a TE for a congenital melanocytic nevus sized 15 × 10 cm on the left forehead. Resection was performed by tissue expansion using two TEs; however, simple advancement flaps led to excessive wound tension, risk of elevation of the eyebrow on the affected side, and postoperative scarring. Hence, a superficial temporal artery fasciocutaneous island flap with left superficial temporal vessels as a pedicle was raised at the dog ear and moved to the site of strong tension, and the wound was closed without difficulty. Although postoperative laser hair removal was required, both the appearance and functional results were satisfactory. Using anatomical flaps obtained from the surroundings during tissue expansion helps avoid complications associated with forced wound closure.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%