A forehead flap is a surgical approach used to rebuild areas of the face that have undergone damage or removal due to Mohs surgery for skin cancer. The procedure involves taking a section of healthy skin from another part of the body and transplanting it onto the affected area. Here, we'll explore what a forehead flap looks like before and after surgery, the potential risks involved, and the recovery process.
Preoperative Photos
Case 1: forehead flap for brow reconstruction
This 35-year-old woman underwent a forehead flap for brow reconstruction after undergoing multiple cosmetic procedures. Her before-and-after photos were taken approximately 2 months after her surgery, revealing a stable, natural-looking result.
Before and After: Forehead Flap and Brow Reconstruction
Before
(surgery scheduled)
After
(surgery completed)
Case 2: forehead flap for nasal reconstruction following MOHS surgery
This 53-year-old man had a skin cancer on his nose and underwent MOHS surgery to remove it. After successful MOHS treatment, he opted for a forehead flap to reconstruct his nose.
Before and After: Forehead Flap Following MOHS Surgery
Before
(moisture removed from left side of nose)
After
(forehead flap in place)
Postoperative Photos
Case 3: forehead flap after nose reconstruction
This 64-year-old woman had a complete facial reconstruction, including a forehead flap, following a total loss of her upper eyelids due to radiation therapy following breast cancer treatment. Her after photos were taken 1 year post-surgery, showing a stable and cosmetically pleasing result.
Afternoon Photos
Before
After
Case 4: forehead flap for upper eyelid reconstruction
A 49-year-old woman underwent a forehead flap for upper eyelid reconstruction following the removal of a benign tumor from her upper eyelids. Her before-and-after photos were taken 6 months after her surgery, confirming good recovery and a stable result.
Before and After: Forehead Flap for-upper Eyelid Reconstruction
Before
(pinkness in right upper eyelid)
After
(eyelids reperfused)
Potential Risks
While forehead flaps are a trusted method for reconstructing damaged skin, there are several potential risks associated with the procedure:
Infection
Any surgical procedure carries a risk of infection, and the forehead flap is no exception. Postoperative infections may require additional treatment, including antibiotics or drainage.
Bleeding
Slight bleeding or swelling around the surgical site can occur postoperatively, but generally resolves within a few days.
Scarring
While rare, there is a possibility of hypertrophic orKeloid scarring, where瘢痕 tissue forms larger and more复发性 than normal.
Color Match
Flap procedures may not always achieve perfect color matching due to the variable amount of skin pigment between the donor and recipient sites.
Movement and Sensitivity
There may be some decrease in movement or sensitivity in the areas surrounding the flap due to the presence of a nonautologous tissue (donated skin).
Recovery Process
Recovery from a forehead flap usually requires a few days to a week in the hospital, followed by a recovery period at home that can take several weeks.Patients will typically experience some swelling and discomfort during the first few weeks, but this should subside over time. Follow-up appointments with your plastic surgeon are essential to monitor for complications and promote proper healing.
##Forehead flaps are a powerful tool in the armamentarium of reconstructive surgeons for repairs that involve damage to crucial regions of the face. By selecting the appropriate candidate for the procedure,严密遵循 postoperative care guidelines, and having a committed support system, patients can enjoy excellent results with minimal downtime.
As always, consult with a qualified plastic surgeon to receive personalized advice and treatment options specific to your unique medical history and case.
