The submental flap: its uses as a pedicled or free flap for facial reconstruction.

The submental flap is an alternative to microsurgical flaps for facial and intraoral defects. The submental flap is simple and can be raised rapidly. It produces good color, texture, and contour match without a conspicuous site. Its versatility and its rotational arc explains its large application in facial surgery. The pedicle is reliable when the flap is not used with a reverse flow. The surgeon must know the possible presence of valves in the venous system of the face and plan to perform a venous microsurgical anastomosis if venous congestion jeopardizes the flap's survival. The location of the flap in a lymph node area restricts its uses for traumatic cases, and for benign and malignant tumors, to reduce the potential of cancer spreading to the lymph nodes (e.g., basal cell carcinoma).