Versatility and aesthetic performance of the submental flap for reconstruction of skin defects in head and neck

The submental flap (SMF) is a reliable option for head and neck reconstruction. It is a pedicle flap based on the submental artery and vein, divisions of the facial pedicle. The purpose of this Operative Technique is to describe the step-by-step setup of the submental flap for reconstruction of the preauricular region and to briefly examine its versatility and range of choices in skin and soft tissue defect reconstruction (see Supplemental video in the online version of the article). The harvesting of the SMF provides an aesthetically acceptable result for both the donor and reconstructed sites. The main advantages of the flap are its excellent color and texture match to the tissue in the cheek, and the possibility of restoring pilosity in male patients. In the opinion of the authors, the SMF is one of the best reconstructive alternatives for defects in the lower two-thirds of the face in elderly male patients.