Use of Permacol™ to restore depression after temporal muscle flap: A case report.

The temporal muscle has been an essential tool in maxillo-facial reconstruction for more than a century. Despite many technical advances, depression in the temporal fossa after its use is a constant issue. There are several ways to fill this defect. However, their efficiency has not been proven. Currently, biomaterials (e.g. polymethylmethacrylate [PMMA] and polyethylene [PE]) are the alternative most frequently used and studied. This is the first case report of temporal depression filling with a porcine dermal matrix (Permacol™). A 58-year-old woman underwent limited maxillectomy for squamous cell carcinoma of the upper vestibular mucosa, after which a pure temporalis muscle flap was used for immediate reconstruction. A custom-shaped Permacol™ sheet was used with a PMMA spacer to fill the resulting depression at the temporal fossa. The procedure went smoothly without any complications. The surgeon and the patient are satisfied with the cosmetic result. Permacol™ is a safe and effective tool to fill defects after temporalis muscle flap and is an excellent alternative to other biomaterials currently on the market.