Abstract

Objectives: The main aim of this study was to present our experience with V-Y island flaps in reconstruction of the cheek defects after tumor excision in 3 facial zones. Patients and methods: 40 patients with cutaneous carcinomas of the cheek in 3 facial zones (17 SubOrbital, 19 Bucco-Mandibular and 4 Pre-Auricular) resulting from skin tumor excision were reconstructed using V-Y flaps from July 2009-June 2011. Results: 40 patients with small to medium-sized defects (3-6cm) ranging from 25 to 70 years were treated. Of these 40 patients, 17 were men (42.5) and 23 were women (57.5). We had no complications and the functional and aesthetic outcomes were quite acceptable. No recurrence of malignant skin tumor was observed to date (mean 1.5 yrs.). Conclusions: The kite flap is one of the methods for reconstruction of small to medium-size defects in different zones of the cheek. This method has aesthetic and functional superiority in comparison with skin grafts or other local flaps in the cheek. © 2012 Ebrahimi A.