Resurfacing extensive malar and preauricular cutaneous defects with pedicled temporoparietal fascia

BACKGROUND. The pedicled temporoparietal fascial nap (TPFF) is useful for preparing extensive cutaneous facial defects for skin grafting. OBJECTIVE. The purpose of this work is to describe the use of the pedicled TPFF for preparation of extensive cutaneous malar and preauricular facial defects for skin grafting and contour improvement. METHODS. Two patients underwent transposition of a TPFF and immediate skin grafting. Patient demographics, diagnoses, wound characteristics, and outcome are described and documented through photographs. RESULTS. The TPFF greatly simplified reconstruction in the cases presented. The TPFF provided a vascularized tissue bed that resulted in complete survival of the skin grafts. It also effectively replaced lost volume and corrected contour deformities. CONCLUSION. The use of the pedicled TPFF for extensive malar and preauricular cutaneous defects provides a vascular tissue bed for skin grafting and soft tissue replacement. The TPFF may obviate the need for more complicated and morbid reconstructive procedures.