Application of Facial Small Flaps in the Repair of Small-Area Defects After Facial Tumor Resection

doi:10.16048/j.issn.2095-5561.2025.01.16

Abstract：Objective To explore the application effect of facial small flaps in the repair of small-area defects after facial tumor resection. Methods Sixty-three patients with facial tumors treated at the Department of Plastic Surgery and Wound Repair, Anqing People's Hospital from June 2020 to February 2023 were selected. There were 22 males and 41 females, with an average age of (47.92±19.62) years, ranging from 10 to 80 years. Facial small flaps were used to repair small-area defects after facial tumor resection. The effectiveness of the facial small flap repair was evaluated based on the color, flatness, facial symmetry, facial expression function, and scar concealment of the surgical area. Results After a follow-up of 6-12 months, all 63 patients had surviving flaps postoperatively. One case with a composite flap developed subcutaneous effusion, with partial non-healing at the incision site, which healed after enhanced dressing changes. The rest of the flaps achieved primary healing. The flap color, thickness, and texture were close to the surrounding tissues, the incisions were concealed, there were no changes in the function or shape of the eyes, mouth, nose, and ears, and the scar hyperplasia was mild. The patient satisfaction rate was 98.4% six months postoperatively. Conclusion Designing facial small flaps according to the characteristics of facial aesthetic units for repairing secondary wounds after tumor resection, combined with cosmetic suturing, can preserve facial aesthetics and function, and has certain clinical value in the repair of small-area soft tissue defects in the face.