Combined use of an anterolateral thigh flap and rapid prototype modeling to reconstruct maxillary oncologic resections and midface defects.

The most complex area for reconstruction of the head and the neck is the maxilla and the midface because of the difficult anatomy of this region. This article aimed to describe our design for the reconstruction of the zygomaticomaxillary complex using an anterolateral thigh (ALT) flap combined with a rapid prototyping technology. Seven patients were involved in this study. All free ALT flaps survived, and the patients were satisfied with the results both esthetically and functionally 8 months after surgery. The free ALT flap with a titanium mesh made by rapid prototyping technology is a reliable option for the treatment of oncologic resections of the maxilla and other midface defects. This technique has a significantly shorter surgical time than conventional procedures, with good and predictable postoperative outcomes.