Versatility of cervicofacial flaps: Cervical-medial cheek flap for reconstruction in cutaneous substance loss of the inner cheek.

Abstract

Preservation of facial harmony is a major challenge in reconstruction after resection of head and neck skin tumors. For large medial cheek-skin defects, we used a derived posterior-based cervicofacial flap, or cervical-medial cheek flap (CMCF). We present a retrospective review of cases treated at a university-based cancer center. Patient characteristics, surgical technique, and complication rates are described. Eighteen patients were treated between 2014 and 2017 with reconstruction for integumentary cheek defect after skin tumor surgery using CMCF. Mean defect size was 5.7 cm in length and 3.9 cm in width. The main histological subtype was lentigo maligna (33.3%). We report no flap necrosis but 4 minor complications occurred over a mean follow-up of 14.4 months. At last follow-up, satisfaction rate was very high (88.9%) with no evidence of recurrence. The CMCF is a promising yet infrequently used option in medial cheek reconstruction, with excellent cosmetic and functional outcomes.