Biologic Basis of De-Epithelialized Transverse Platysma Flap for Oral Cavity Reconstruction

INTRODUCTION: The inferiorly and laterally based platysma myocutaneous flap contains hair in some ethnics; therefore, it is required to change the myocutaneous flap to myofascial flap to prevent the hair growth after its transfer to the oral cavity. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Five male mongrel dogs were selected for this study. De-epithelialized laterally based platysma flap, muscle part facing the oral cavity, was used for buccal reconstruction. The clinical healing process was photographed every week. After 40 days, biopsy specimens were obtained from the transferred flap. RESULTS: According to the results, all flaps survived. At the end of the first week, the flap was covered with fibrinous exudate. On the third week, only the center of the transferred flap was not covered with mucosa. Within 40 days, the flap was distinguishable clinically from the adjacent buccal mucosa just by hypopigmentation. Hematoxylin and eosin staining of the biopsy specimens taken on day 40 showed thin stratified squamous epithelium covered with a tiny parakeratin layer. CONCLUSION: Myofascial platysma flap, muscle part faced oral cavity, survives and undergoes mucosalization after adaptation to the recipient oral tissue.