Role of Glabellar flap in midfacial reconstruction.

Aims: Reconstruction of midface always poses a challenge to a Plastic surgeon as one has to address the convexities and concavities which are somewhat unique to this area. Various local flaps have been used for achieving these goals. This study was conducted to evaluate the indications, feasibility and outcome of midfacial reconstruction using Glabellar flaps at a tertiary care center. Materials and Methods: This is a prospective observational study conducted in the Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery of a tertiary care hospital between January 2016 to December 2019. All the patients who underwent midfacial reconstruction with Glabellar flaps during this period and consented to be a part of this study were included. Patient demographics, wound etiology and area, flap size and its mode of transfer, number of surgeries required, type of anesthesia used, comorbid conditions, complications if any and the results of reconstruction were recorded. All the patients were followed up till May 2020. Results: Thirteen patients were managed with Glabellar flaps. Majority of the patients (n=9, 69.23%) were males, with a mean age of 34 years. Most common cause of wounds was animal bite/maul (n=5, 38.46%). Glabellar flap was most commonly used as V-Y rotation advancement flap in nine patients (69.23%). Most of the cases (n=9, 69.23%) was operated under local anesthesia. Donor site was closed primarily in V-Y or linear fashion in 12 cases, and skin grafted only in 1 case. Majority (n=12, 92.3%) of the patients graded reconstruction results as Good-Excellent. Conclusions: Glabellar flap is an excellent option for reconstruction of midfacial defects with minimal donor site morbidity and can be performed safely under local anesthesia.