Aesthetic considerations in flap reconstruction of the burnt face in males: A demonstrative case report

INTRODUCTION: The face is unique because functional and aesthetic considerations are equally important. Extensive deep chemical burns of the face are usually reconstructed with flaps. In males, the use of the hair – bearing superficial temporal artery flap has the advantage of achieving a satisfactory outcome with regards to both function and aesthetics. PRESENTATION OF CASE: A 49-year-old man sustained a deep chemical burn to the right side of the face and neck. The resulting right peri-oral and neck contractures were initially reconstructed with a latissimus dorsi myo-cutaneous free flap. The functional outcome was satisfactory. The cosmetic outcome was poor and caused the patient to go into depression. Salvage was done using a hair-bearing superficial temporal artery flap. DISCUSSION: In males, the use of the hair-bearing superficial temporal artery flap in facial reconstruction respects the aesthetic units and is also able to achieve a satisfactory functional outcome. CONCLUSION: We stress that aesthetic and functional considerations are equally important in facial reconstruction. In males, the hair-bearing superficial temporal artery flap is the flap of choice if the beard/moustache areas are involved.