Frontalis musculocutaneous island flap for coverage of forehead defect

The use of the frontalis musculocutaneous flap as a pedicle island flap off ers some advantages in frontal reconstruction. It can be used for immediate reconstruction following the ablation of a small or moderate area, even af ter harvesting of the frontal flap for nasal reconstruction. Because of its intact lateral bundle, it has the potential to carry some sensory innervat ion, albeit minimal, to the reconstructed area. We have found the frontalis musculocutaneous flap, when used as a pedicle island flap, to be an adapta ble and dependable alternative flap for repairs after small or moderate res ections in the frontal region. This flap could be performed immediately and in one stage, have a low morbidity rate, and allow a rapid aesthetic resto ration; and, it is easy to perform. In two cases, we have observed some deg ree of venous congestion in the island during the early postoperative perio d but with success in final healing. The experience demonstrates that this flap should be considered as another valuable tool in reconstructive effort s directed at the forehead. We propose a novel method for the forehead reco nstruction using the frontalis musculocutaneous island flap. A case is pres ented that demonstrates the use of this flap for repair in a depressed fron tal defect.