A simple method for forehead unit reconstruction

The supratrochlear and supraorbital vessel-based island flap was used to avoid excessive scarring during reconstruction of the unilateral forehead defects after surgical excision of a malignant tumor. This method had a number of advantages: operation time was short, it was a one-stage procedure, the technique was relatively simple, a good match of the texture and color could be achieved, and scars were inconspicuous.     

A simple method for alar rim reconstruction

A one-stage repair procedure is described for the reconstruction of small to medium-sized full-thickness alar rim defects with a hinged medially based nasolabial island flap. The operation is performed under local anesthesia as an office procedure and is indicated particularly in older patients. The hinged flap provides both the inner and outer layers of the alar rim. The donor site is closed primarily with no need to mobilize a large skin flap. The procedure leaves no conspicuous scars on the face. This method was found to be simple and safe, providing excellent tissue viability and yielding good color and texture match.     

The ear model: an aid for total ear reconstruction

An ear model can be useful in portraying the three-dimensional relationships of the components of the external ear. The role of such a model available as an aid during the carving of a cartilaginous framework in total ear reconstruction is discussed, and a simple method of making an ear model is presented.     

A single-stage two-flap method of total ear reconstruction

A single-stage two-flap method of total ear reconstruction in congenital microtia is reported. This method was derived from the one-stage reconstruction described by Song and Song. Two flaps defined by vascular basis were elevated on the mastoid area: the superficial skin flap supplied mainly by subcutaneous pedicled arteriole perforators from the posterior auricular artery and the deeper axial-pattern fascial flap including the posterior auricular artery itself. The ear framework, exaggeratedly carved using autologous rib cartilage, could be inserted easily between the two flaps, simultaneously producing the auriculocephalic angle and the conchal wall. Intraoperative expansion of the skin flap and postoperative external ear molding also were performed to create aesthetically pleasing ears.