Reconstruction of facial and cervical scar with the expanded supraclavicular island flaps

Objective: To observe the therapeutic effect of expanded supraclavicular island flaps for facial and cervical scar.

Methods: From Oct. 2010 to Nov. 2013, a series of 16 patients with facial and cervical scars were treated by the expanded supraclavicular island flaps, pedicled by the supraclavicular cutaneous branch of transverse cervical artery. In the first stage, the soft tissue expanders (ranging from 400 ml to 600 ml in volume) were implanted in the anterior thoracic region. In the second stage, the facial and cervical scars were removed and the contructures were released, the expanded flap was transferred to cover the defects. The wounds at the donor sites were closed directly.

Results: The flaps size ranged from 12 cm x 7 cm to 22 cm x 11 cm. All flaps survived with no flap necrosis. Hematoma occurred in one case and healed by debridement. 16 patients were followed up for 3-12 months. The color and texture of all flaps matched well with the surrounding skin tissue, no bulky appearance or hypertrophic scar were noticed.

Conclusions: The expanded supraclavicular island flap is a good choice for repairing facial and cervical scar. The appearance and function can be improved.