Reconstruction of facial defects with superficial temporal artery island flaps: a donor site with various alternatives.

Color and texture match is crucial in reconstruction of facial tissue defects. Between March of 1997 and July of 2000, island flaps based on the parietal, anterofrontal, centrofrontal, posterofrontal, and superior auricular branches of the superficial temporal artery were used in the reconstruction of tissue defects localized on different regions of the face in 28 patients. According to the size and the location of the defect, the flap was selected. There were 15 male patients and 13 female patients, with ages ranging between 19 and 74 years. In six of the flaps, venous congestion was observed. Because of the elevation of the eyebrow on the flap side, three patients required a sling to the opposite eyebrow. Excellent color and tissue match and transfer of hair-bearing tissue to the eyebrow and beard areas were achieved with no other complications. Satisfactory aesthetic results were gained.