The posteriorly based platysma flap in oral and facial reconstruction: A case series

Abstract

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to assess the reliability and use of the posteriorly based platysma flap for oral and facial reconstruction.

Patients and methods: This case series consists of 7 patients who were reconstructed with a posteriorly based platysma flap for various tumor resection defects of the oral and facial region. The flaps were monitored for complications, including skin loss and ischemia in the postoperative period.

Results: Three of the patients (43%) in this study had no complications. Three patients (43%) had some skin sloughing, but the underlying muscle remained viable and mucosalized normally. One patient (14%) had 40% flap loss of the distal end, possibly due to vascular compromise that occurred during a concomitant neck dissection.

Conclusion: The posteriorly based platysma flap is a reliable reconstruction option for defects in the facial and oral region. If skin sloughing occurs, it is usually inconsequential for intraoral reconstruction as the underlying muscle remains viable and undergoes epithelialization.