Central Facial Soft-Tissue Defect Following Surgical Resection: An Algorithm for Reconstruction

Background: Central facial soft tissue defect poses a unique challenge for the reconstructive surgeon. The three-dimensional properties of aesthetic subunit and its related function are goals reconstruction. Considering prominent social role face, procedure to achieve good quality life patients may cost more than single surgery. This single-center study presents an algorithm treatment central it’s proposed classification according authors’ experiences. Methods: A retrospective review medical records photos who underwent reconstruction in Cipto Mangunkusumo National Hospital, Jakarta, Indonesia, from 2009 2019. Patients free flap were followed up, primary outcomes assessed using FACE-Q head neck cancer (FACE-Q H&N) scale. system with seven subtypes (1–7) based on was proposed. Results: Twenty-five included. malignant tumor main etiology (88%), basal cell carcinoma being pathology (64%). average size 120 cm2 (32-416 cm2) most defects fell into subtype 6 (32%). Anterolateral thigh (ALT) choice (64%), by radial forearm (36%), 92% flaps succeeding rate this series. All at least one ancillary following reconstruction, while 2 (1-6) procedures. H&N outcomes, especially appearance distress scale, showed low moderate score 72% response rate. Conclusions: soft-tissue continues surgeons. While advances transfer might improve general numerous costly secondary procedures do not usually end up best appearance. displayed need modern modalities that provide high satisfaction functional fewer Vascularized Composite Allotransplantation (VCAT) be future choice.