The Africa Temporal Scalp Flap: A Novel Flap for Facial Reconstruction.

This article focuses on the development and clinical application of the Africa Temporal Scalp (ATS) flap, a novel two-stage flap based on the superficial temporal artery (STA) for facial reconstruction, particularly nasal defects, in patients with extensive forehead scarring from burns or noma. Conducted aboard the hospital ship MV Africa Mercy over 7.5 years, the retrospective study involved 45 patients primarily treated for burn injuries or noma-related deformities, with the ATS flap used mainly for lower third nasal reconstruction. The flap offers advantages over traditional forehead flaps by providing pliable, hairless skin from a donor site concealed in the periphery of the face, with low complication rates after surgical technique refinements. The study details the flap’s anatomical basis, surgical design, outcomes, and potential broader applications in facial reconstructive surgery within resource-limited settings.