Repair of facial defects with advancement-rotation flaps.

The advancement-rotation facial flap is very useful for repair of middle one-third facial defects of moderate size, resulting from deep resection of neoplastic disease. Flaps containing skin and subcutaneous tissue, or flaps containing skin, subcutaneous tissue, and neuromuscular bundles are employed. An extensive facial release is necessary in order to develop flaps to close large defects in the order of 5 cm. This is a superior, one-stage method for repair of large defects, particularly in elderly patients. The technique can produce excellent cosmetic and functional results.