The use of subcutaneous axial fascial flaps in reconstruction of the head.

Problem wounds of the forehead and face are reconstructed using an axial fascial flap. The flap is developed by subdermal dissection that allows a subcutaneous fascial paddle to be elevated over one of the five primary arteries of the scalp. Accordingly, a vascularized local flap is obtained that can be transferred in one stage with minimum bulk and allows one to select the desired tissue covering for one or both surfaces. The flap avoids altering the scalp hairline and generally causes no donor surface irregularity.