Ten years of experience with the submental flap

This article describes the authors' experience with the submental flap over the past 10 years. A brief review of the key points and some refinements in the operative technique are discussed. The results concern 31 patients with a mean age of 57 years. All flaps were pedicled except two. One case of composite flap with bone was used. The mean size of the flap was 11.8 X 5.5 cm, and the mean postoperative stay was 11.1 days. Complications encountered were one case of temporary palsy of the marginal mandibular branch of the facial nerve, one hematoma at the recipient site, and two cases of partial flap loss. Color and texture match were good. The authors believe this flap to have great clinical potential and to be a worthwhile addition to the existing surgical armamentarium.