• Yangqun Li, Chuande Zhou, Mingyong Yang, Yuanbo Liu, Yong Tang, Wen Chen, Yongqian Wang, Jiajie Xu, Liqiang Liu, and Senkai Li.
• Plastic Surgery Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100041, PR China. Lxwan@public3.bta.net.cn
• Zhongguo Xiu Fu Chong Jian Wai Ke Za Zhi. 2005 Feb 1; 19 (2): 130-2.

ObjectiveTo probe the principle and the method to repair facial soft tissue defect with the prefabricated expander flap the neck with the vessels of temporalis superficialis.MethodsThe expander was implanted into the surface layer of the platysma in neck. The pedicle of the expander flap contained the arteria temporalis superficialis and its ramux parietalis. After 3 months, the prefabricated island expander flaps pedicled with the arteria temporalis superficialis and its ramux parietalis could be transferred to the face. From 1998 to 2003, 6 cases of facial soft tissue defects were repaired. The maximal flap size was 12 cm x 8 cm. The pedicle length was 7-8 cm.ResultsAfter a follow-up of 3-6 months, all expander flaps survived. The excellent function and cosmetic result were achieved.ConclusionThe prefabricated expander flaps of the neck pedicled with the arteria temporalis superficialis and its ramux parietalis can be transferred to the upper face to repair tissues defect. The supply of blood of the prefabricated expander flaps were safe and reliable. The survived areas of the flaps are directly proportional to the areas of temporalis superficialis fascia combining the expander flaps.

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