Indications for, and limitations of, the retroangular flap in facial reconstruction according to its vascular mapping

We have used the retroangular flap for the reconstruction of facial defects after excision of tumours. Important variables such as vascular mapping, type of anaesthesia, duration of stay in hospital, and the diagnosis and treatment of complications were taken into account in assessing its effectiveness.We studied 187 patients, 103 men and 84 women, who were treated with the retroangular flap, and the morphological and cosmetic results analysed. There are many vascular variations of the flap The patients were followed up for a median of 12 (range 12–125) years and their reconstructions were successful. The technique can be considered as one of first methods of choice for the reconstruction of cutaneous defects of the middle third of the face.