Local and Regional Flaps

Abstract

Missing tissue, whether from trauma or oncologic surgery, presents a difficult challenge for the surgeon. Reconstructing facial defects with the use of a local or regional flap can produce a functional and esthetic outcome. Preoperative planning, including an analysis of the defect and donor site, is essential to choose from the variety of flaps available. When possible, sutures should be placed in natural creases and between esthetic subunits to minimize any visible scarring. Smaller defects may be repaired with a local flap, which has the advantage of being similar in color and texture of the defect site. Larger defects require a regional flap because of the greater amount of skin and soft tissue available. Complications may be minimized through the identification of risk factors in the preoperative stage, selection of the appropriate flap, and early identification of flap fail ure.