Overview

Flap Surgery is a surgical procedure to move skin and underlying tissue from one area to another to cover wounds or defects.

Flap surgery is crucial for reconstructing complex wounds, providing better cosmetic outcomes, and restoring function.

Learn more in our comprehensive RxDx Dermatology Course

Indications

✓
Large Defects

Surgical defects

✓
Complex Wounds

Deep tissue involvement

✓
Cosmetically Sensitive Areas

Face, hands

✓
Functional Reconstruction

Restore function

✓
Tumor Excision

Large defects

Contraindications

Absolute Contraindications

✗ Patient refusal
✗ Active infection

Relative Contraindications

✗ Poor blood supply
✗ Smoking
✗ Diabetes

📋 Equipment Checklist

Check off items as you gather them:

Pre-procedure Preparation

Preparation includes patient assessment, defect evaluation, flap design, and understanding flap types.

Step-by-Step Procedure

Step 1: Defect Assessment

Evaluate defect characteristics.

⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid:

  • Poor assessment
  • Wrong flap type

💡 Pro Tip:

Assess defect size and location.

Step 2: Flap Design

Design appropriate flap.

⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid:

  • Poor design
  • Inadequate size

💡 Pro Tip:

Consider blood supply.

Step 3: Flap Elevation

Elevate flap carefully.

⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid:

  • Poor technique
  • Vascular damage

💡 Pro Tip:

Preserve blood supply.

Step 4: Flap Transfer

Transfer flap to defect.

⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid:

  • Poor positioning
  • Tension

💡 Pro Tip:

Position without tension.

Step 5: Closure

Close donor site.

⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid:

  • Poor closure
  • Tension

💡 Pro Tip:

Use tension-free closure.

Master Flap with RxDx

Access 100+ procedure videos and expert guidance with the RxDx app

Get it on Google Play Download on the App Store

Post-procedure Care

Post-procedure care involves flap monitoring, wound care, and monitoring for flap failure.

Complications & Management

Complication Incidence Signs Management Prevention
Flap failure 5-15% Flap necrosis Debridement, regrafting Proper technique
Infection 3-8% Redness, pain, discharge Antibiotics Sterile technique
Scarring 15-25% Visible scar Time, scar care Proper technique
Contracture 10-20% Scar contracture Physical therapy Proper technique

Clinical Pearls

💡

Always assess blood supply before flap design.

🎯

Choose appropriate flap type.

⚡

Elevate flap with proper technique.

🔍

Monitor flap viability.

📊

Document flap details.

🎨

Consider cosmetic outcome.

⚠️

Monitor for complications.