Reverse facial-submental artery island flap for the reconstruction of maxillary defects after cancer ablation.

This study assessed the reliability of the reverse facial-submental artery island flap for reconstructing maxillary defects. Twelve patients with cancer underwent surgical resection and sequential maxillary reconstruction using a reverse facial-submental artery island flap. There were 9 men and 3 women. The patients ranged in age from 42 to 73 years. Palate squamous cell carcinoma was present in 7 cases; and maxillary gingival squamous cell carcinoma, in 5 cases. The remaining defects were classified as class 1 in one case, class 2a in 8 cases, and class 3b in 3 cases. The sizes of the skin paddle varied from a minimum of 4 x 12 cm to a maximum of 5 x 12 cm. No flaps failed. There were no donor-site problems. The patients were followed up for 16 to 30 months; one case of tumor local recurrence was observed. The reverse facial-submental artery island flap is safe, quick, and simple to elevate. The flap can be used reliably for reconstructing maxillary defects.