Reconstruction of Facial Skin and Soft Tissue Defects Based on the Unit Principles

• Published in: Japanese Journal of Surgical Wound Care Vol. 3; no. 2; pp. 41 - 51
• Main Authors: Ogino, Akihiro, Onishi, Kiyoshi, Okada, Emi, Hayashi, Akiteru, Maruyama, Yu
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: Japanese
• Published: Japan Society for Surgical Wound Care 2012; 一般社団法人 日本創傷外科学会
• Subjects: facial skin and soft tissue defects; miniunit; subunit; unit principle; unit原理; 顔面皮膚・軟部組織欠損
• ISSN: 1884-880X
• DOI: 10.11310/jsswc.3.41

In the reconstruction of skin and soft tissue defects caused by tumor excision and trauma, it can be difficult to decide whether to use a suture closing or a local flap. Judgment should be based on the skin properties of the defect and the surrounding anatomical landmarks. We have applied the unit principles for facial reconstruction with satisfactory results. These principles are also extremely beneficial for obtaining natural contour and symmetry in the face. It is important not only to understand the configuration of the unit for reconstruction, but also to select the most suitable donor site and reconstructive procedure, since these also affect the aesthetic results.