MIDFACE SOFT-TISSUE RECONSTRUCTION WITH THE FACIO-CERVICO-PECTORAL FLAP

The reconstruction of large soft tissue defects in the orbital and max illomalar region is a difficult task. A good functional and aesthetic result has to be achieved. The cervicopectoral rotation flap has many advantages; it is easy, rapid and safe to harvest, compatible with cer vical dissection and radiotherapy. It is an anatomical unit, with skin properties similar to the rest of the facial skin. This is our pedicl e flap of choice for large soft tissue defects in the midface, special ly in elderly patients. We use it in association with the temporalis m yofascial flap in cases of orbital exenteration. In large defects, the alternatives to these flaps are microsurgical free flaps or other ped icled flaps. These flaps require more complex techniques, are time con suming surgically, have greater morbidity and equal or worse functiona l and aesthetic results. In this paper we present our experience. Twen ty-two patients with large soft tissue defects in the maxillomalar and orbital regions have had reconstructions with these flaps (facio-cerv ico-pectoral rotation flap and temporalis myofascial flap) in the last 8 years.