Flexible Curved V-Y Subcutaneous Flap for Facial Skin Defects

We devised an improved type of the V-Y subcutaneous pedicle flap with the elements of both advancement and rotation flaps. This flexible curved V-Y subcutaneous flap was used for facial skin defect reconstruction in 15 patients. Curved flaps were designed according to the elasticity of the surrounding skin and the postoperative scar direction. RESULTS: In all the 15 patients, the flap survived without circulatory impairment, and follow-up for more than 1 year indicated an inconspicuous scar and good course. CONCLUSIONS: With elements of both advancement and rotation flaps, transfer and wound closure of the flexible curved V-Y subcutaneous flap are easy. In addition, the postoperative scar can be positioned along natural wrinkle lines and relaxed skin tension lines. This may be a useful local flap for facial and general plastic surgery.