Bilateral Eyebrow Reconstruction Using a Unilateral Extended Superficial Temporal Artery Flap

Abstract

In cases of the bilateral eyebrow reconstruction in men, two superficial temporal artery (STA) flaps are usually designed for both temporal regions according to the flap movable range and the direction of hair growth. Recently, the authors have successfully reconstructed bilateral eyebrows with normal directions of hair growth using a unilateral STA flap, extended by anastomosis of the STA and the occipital artery, with two hair-bearing skin islands. Using this method, the direction of the hair growth can be optimally selected by changing the direction of the skin islands for each eyebrow. The authors were able to reconstruct symmetric eyebrows with the hair growing laterally and a little upward. The invasiveness, bleeding, and operating time required for this method are less than those for the bilateral STA flap method. For cases in which one temporal scalp could not be used, bilateral eyebrow reconstruction remains possible with this method.