Abstract

Background: Facial tumors are one of the leading causes affecting the function and aesthetics of patients. Local flaps are the optimal method for reconstructing facial defects. Different types of tumors have distinct characteristics and surgical requirements, and reconstruction also varies among the aesthetic units of the face. Objective: To further elucidate the utility of local flaps, thereby providing appropriate indications for selecting reconstructive flaps to close defects. Materials and Methods: This is a descriptive, prospective clinical interventional study that involved 31 230 TẠP CHÍ Y DƯỢC HUẾ - HUE JOURNAL OF MEDICINE AND PHARMACY ISSN 3030-4318; eISSN: 3030-4326 patients with facial tumors who underwent tumor excision and reconstruction using local flaps at ENT – Ophthalmology – Maxillofacial and Oncology Departments of Hue University of Medicine and Pharmacy Hospital from June 2022 to September 2024. Results: The average age of patients was 59.65 ± 17.27 years. The most common site was the cheek (35.5%), the two most frequently involved anatomical units were the cheek and nose (9.7%). Reconstruction was performed following resection of basal cell carcinoma in 58.1% of cases, squamous cell carcinoma in 16.1%, and benign tumors in 25.8%. The average defect size was 2.73 ± 1.34 cm. Local flaps were employed, including 17 advancement flaps, 11 rotation flaps, and 3 transposition flaps. All flaps survived completely and successfully covered the defects postoperatively. At the 3-month follow-up, good outcomes were achieved in 83.9% of cases, and fair outcomes in 16.1%. At the 6-month follow-up, 100% of the flaps showed color, thickness, and softness matching the surrounding tissues, with good outcomes in 88.5% of cases and fair outcomes in 11.5%. Conclusion: Local flaps are a suitable and effective option for the reconstruction of small- to medium- sized facial defects. Flap selection should be based on careful analysis of the characteristics of the defect and adherence to the aesthetic and anatomical subunits of the face.