The Cheek-Neck Rotation Flap for Closure of Temporozygomatic-Cheek Wounds

Cervicofacial and cervicothoracic rotation flaps in head and neck reconstruction

“…When properly executed, the cervicofacial and cervicothoracic flaps meet these criteria, and they are capable of providing soft tissue coverage for protection of deeper vital structures such as the facial nerve, mandible, and carotid artery. 10 In our series, as in others, cheek and periorbital defects arising from the extirpation of malignant skin lesions, deeply invasive buccal mucosal lesions, perineural spread from skin malignancies, scar excisions, and traumatic wounds provide indications for cervicofacial rotation flaps, with gradual inferior extension onto the chest wall if additional rotation is needed. Also, defects of the anterolateral neck skin because of fungating primary parotid tumors, metastatic lymph node disease in the parotid or cervical nodes, and radiation damage were readily reconstructed in our series with cervicothoracic rotation flaps.…”

“…Alternative methods include curving the superior aspect of the incision above the zygomatic arch and suturing the deep aspect of the flap to the periosteum of the inferior orbital rim or zygomatic arch (our preferred method) or to the temporalis fascia. 6,10,16,21 Although three patients in our series had mild ectropion develop during prolonged follow-up, the patients remained asymptomatic and did not desire additional intervention. Delayed excision of a standing cone deformity was performed in one patient, reflecting our preference to excise the dog-ear primarily during the initial operation.…”

Cheek‐Neck Advancement‐Rotation Flaps following Mohs Excision of Skin Malignancies

“…Although the cheek‐neck advancement‐rotation flap has recently been advocated for the closure of temporozygomatic cheek wounds, 1,2 we have found this flap extremely versatile and useful for the closure of other defects of the face following microscopically controlled surgical excision (MCSE) of skin malignancies. We have successfully employed this flap for the closure of defects involving the nose, cheek, lower eyelid, medial canthal area, temple, combinations of the above, and for the closure of an antral cutaneous fistula.…”