Using hairy and non-hairy retroauricular-temporal composite flap in facial reconstruction.

BACKGROUND The authors describe their experience with the retroauricular temporal flap in facial reconstruction. METHODS Twenty-two (20 females, 2 males) patients with composite tissue defect of various areas of the face have been esthetically reconstructed with a modified Washio flap. This flap is a good choice for facial reconstruction, due to its color match, reliability, feasibility, and potential for modification including elements such as skin, hair, and cartilage. The donor site is inconspicuous. RESULTS The 22 patients in this report underwent reconstruction without flap loss. CONCLUSION The Washio flap, with different modifications, is a useful technique for reconstruction of facial defects which may include hairy and non-hair bearing skin, preferably not larger than 7x5 cm in size, and particularly in young patients.