The “Batman flap”: a novel technique to repair a large central glabellar defect

Abstract

Background

Given the critical position of central glabella among the frontal, nasal, and supraorbital aesthetic subunits of the face, the reconstruction of large defects in this area represents a surgical challenge.

Methods

We describe a surgical technique based on a modified, curved, A-T flap to repair a large glabellar defect.

Results

Our modification is useful for large glabellar defects because it enables the distribution of the tension all over the reconstruction sides, avoiding a stressed central area and the subsequent risk of necrosis; functionally, it respects the eyebrows position and since the advancement is parallel to their major axes, it avoids the reduction of the distance between them.

Conclusions

The "Batman flap" enables reconstructing a glabellar defect, with a good aesthetical result and the respect of the relevant aesthetical subunits.