Introduction.

Flaps from the territory of the submental artery can be used as a cutaneous, musculofacial and osteocutaneous flap, performing primary closure of the donor site defect, without generating major functional or aesthetic defects.

Methods.

To describe the experience of the same surgical team, the complications related to the use of the flap and the oncological results, as well as the late outcomes during the follow-up of the patients included in the study.

Results.

Twenty-one patients with a mean age of 66 years (range: 52-86), with oncological pathology of the tongue, lower lip, soft palate, nose, orbit, and oropharynx were included. All patients underwent ipsilateral selective neck dissection after flap removal, and in all cases the marginal mandibular nerve was preserved. Complications such as partial necrosis were recorded. The mean hospital stay was 8 days.

Conclusions.

The submental artery flap has shown favorable results due to its versatile use, wide arc of rotation, color, and low donor site morbidity. More robust studies are recommended, including the experience of various specialists in countries sharing the same technical limitations and sociodemographic characteristics.

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