Soft-tissue augmentation of the middle and lower face using the deepithelialized submental flap.

BACKGROUND: Facial contour augmentation is an entity often encountered by reconstructive surgeons. To date, very different autologous tissues such as fat, dermofat, dermal fascia, muscle, cartilage, and bone in the manner of grafts or flaps according to the requirements of the defect have been used for facial augmentation. Although many free flap procedures have become popular in facial contouring, these microsurgical methods have some limitations and risks, especially in patients who are not suitable for microsurgery. Moreover, the patient may wish to be treated by means of a more conservative procedure.
METHODS: The authors used the submental flap in deepithelialized fashion successfully for augmentation of the face in three patients who presented with hemifacial microsomia (n = 2) and longstanding facial paralysis (n = 1).
RESULTS: Adequate augmentation was achieved in all cases, without any complications. All donor sites were closed primarily and healed well. Patient satisfaction was perfect in all cases. A second debulking procedure was performed in case 3 only. The average follow-up was 1 year.
CONCLUSIONS: The authors believe that the deepithelialized submental flap can be used safely for all facial contour restorations of the lower and midface necessitated by various causes, including hemifacial microsomia and facial paralysis as a main or adjunct procedure. In these cases, this flap may be a good alternative, especially for patients who are not suitable for microsurgery.