Our experience on forehead flaps for the reconstruction of face defects and assessment of patient expectations

Objective: Local flaps have been preferred frequently for the reconstruction of face defects because of good color and tissue texture matching. Forehead flap is also a local flap that is used to repair facial defects. Material and Methods: In this study the outcomes of patients who were reconstructed with forehead flap during an 8-year period (1994-2002) were presented and advantages and disadvantages of the forehead flap were discussed. Thirty-two cases (18 women and 14 men) with ages ranging between 24-71 years (mean 53.9 years), were included in this study. Localization of the reconstructed defects were the nose (19 patients), the medial cantus (11 patients), the orbit (1 patient), and the infraorbital region (1 patient). The defect size was between 1 x 1.5-6 x 8 cm. Outcomes were assessed by a questionnaire that was performed both by patients and by two different surgeons. Results: Follow-up duration ranged between 8 to 24 months and there was no complication except marginal necrosis in 1 patient. Donor area appearance was assessed as perfect for %66.7 of surgeons but %66.6 of patients was assessed as acceptable. Conclusion: Reconstruction of facial defects is more critical than other body regions regarding anatomical, functional and aesthetical results. Forehead flap can be used for appropriate facial tissue defects with great safety and patient satisfaction