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Early Takedown of Postauricular, Melolabial, and Other Interpolation Flaps

Scherz LA, Renzi M Jr, Jennings T, et al.
Dermatologic Surgery (2025)

JC: October 2025

This study evaluated early takedown timing for postauricular, melolabial, and other interpolation flaps used in facial reconstruction. The data demonstrated that earlier flap division is safe and well-tolerated across multiple flap types, reducing the overall treatment duration without compromising outcomes.

Take-Home Messages

  • •Early takedown of interpolation flaps (postauricular, melolabial, and others) is safe and reduces patient inconvenience.
  • •Accelerated flap division protocols can be adopted across various interpolation flap types without increasing complication rates.

Topic

Reconstruction

Flaps, grafts, wound closure techniques after Mohs

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Abstract

Staged interpolation flaps remain central to reconstructing complex facial defects, with traditional pedicle takedown occurring approximately 3 weeks postoperatively. However, prolonged pedicle duration may cause patient discomfort and impair quality of life. To evaluate the safety and outcomes of early takedown (<21 days) versus conventional takedown (≥21 days) across 3 commonly used interpolation flaps: postauricular, melolabial, and paramedian forehead. Retrospective cohort study...

Literature review only. This summary is an editorial interpretation and may not reflect the complete findings of the original publication. Always refer to the full-text article for clinical decision-making.