The Immediate Contraction of the Expanded Forehead Flap

Abstract

Introduction: Flaps contract immediately after harvest, which added difficulty to flap design. This study aims to investigate the immediate contraction rate of the expanded forehead flap used in nasal reconstruction. Methods: Patients undergoing nasal reconstruction with expanded forehead flaps from September 2021 to January 2023 were included. Objective measurements of the pedicle width, maximum width, maximum length, and flap size of the expanded forehead flap before and after harvest were conducted. Results: Fourteen patients, including 9 males and 5 females, were included. The average expansion period was 4.6 months, and the mean injection volume was 658.6 ml. The average retraction rate of pedicle width, maximum width, maximum length, and size of the flap after harvest were 16.15%, 30.26%, 26.86%, and 50.89%, respectively. Conclusion: This study presents the contraction rate of the expanded forehead flap used for nasal reconstruction. The data from the measurement will help surgeons to design the expanded forehead flap. Level of Evidence: Level—Level IV