Use of the contralateral retroangular island flap for reconstructing midfacial defects after skin cancer ablation.

BACKGROUND The retroangular flap is usually used to reconstruct small ipsilateral facial defects. The purpose of this study was to explore the use of the contralateral retroangular island flap for reconstructing large midfacial defects. METHODS Retroangular flaps raised from the contralateral infraorbital region were used to reconstruct midfacial defects in 12 patients after the resection of skin cancers. The defect ranged in size from 3.0 × 3.0 to 5.0 × 7.0 cm, and the flap skin paddle ranged in size from 2.0 × 4.0 to 4.0 × 6.0 cm. RESULTS All of the flaps survived. Patients were followed up for an average of 8.5 months. The vascularity of the flaps was good, and the match in terms of color and texture was excellent. The cosmetic and functional outcomes were satisfactory in all patients. CONCLUSION The contralateral retroangular flap is a good alternative for reconstructing moderate to large midfacial defects.