Analyzing Local Flaps for Coverage of Facial Defects: A Retrospective Study

Abstract

Background: Face is the center of attention during communication and the expression of emotion.  Facial deformities caused by trauma and the excision of skin malignancies are relatively common. The location, size, and underlying cause of the defect, the expected functional morbidity, the patient's medical history, and the practicality of surgery are all factors that influence how this defect is treated. The goal was to investigate various local flaps for defect coverage, outcomes, and complications.

Methods: This was a retrospective cohort study.  The results of our study show that 92 patients with facial defects were enrolled in the study from January 2016 to December 2019. Reconstructive options were chosen based on the size and location of the defect. Patients were followed up on for 6 months to a year.

Results:  Basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and melanoma are the most common  malignant tumours of the face. Local flaps are always preferred over skin transplants because they produce a better colour and texture match, as well as a vascularized soft tissue cover for the skeleton that is resistant to contractures.

Conclusions: With few post-operative problems, a variety of local flaps were employed to cover the facial abnormalities of the 92 patients in our study.