Colorimetric evaluation of skin color in the Japanese.

To investigate which flap donor sites are adequate for facial cutaneous reconstruction in terms of color match, the skin color of the check and of various flap donor sites was measured with a chroma meter in 40 Japanese volunteers. Also, skin color change of the transferred flaps of 12 volunteers who previously underwent 9 facial and 3 breast reconstructions was investigated colorimetrically. The sample size was 8 mm in diameter and three points per site in all measurements. Total color differences of the dorsal foot and forearm were lower than those of the other flap donor sites. This indicates that skin color of the dorsal foot and forearm is most similar to that of the check. The quantity of chromometric changes of the flap transferred from the lower extremity for facial reconstruction was greatest; that of the trunk was moderate; that of the upper extremity was the least. The chromometric change of the TRAM flap used for breast reconstruction was less than that of the upper extremity. Measuring chromaticity of the planned flap and management of sunlight exposure of the reconstructive site are very helpful guides to obtain a good color-matched facial reconstruction.