Reconstruction of Preauricular Wounds Using a Flipped Island Pedicle Flap

BACKGROUND Island pedicle flaps (IPFs) are a frequently used reconstructive option in dermatologic surgery. With variations in its execution, the flap can be used for an assortment of facial defects. OBJECTIVE To describe the execution of a flipped IPF for the reconstruction of medium to large preauricular wounds after Mohs micrographic surgery. MATERIALS AND METHODS An analysis of the flipped IPF reconstruction of 12 preauricular defects is presented. Patient demographics, surgical defects, aesthetic outcomes, and complications are described. RESULTS Twelve patients with 12 preauricular tumors (9 basal cell carcinomas, 2 squamous cell carcinomas, and 1 malignant melanoma) were treated using Mohs micrographic surgery. A flipped IPF reconstruction was successfully used with good cosmetic outcomes and no complications in all 12 patients. CONCLUSION In this series, the authors demonstrate the effective use of flipped IPFs for the reconstruction of medium to large preauricular defects with good aesthetic outcomes and no complications.

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