A flap is living tissue that moves to a new place with its blood supply intact. Local flaps use skin right next to the defect. Pedicled flaps swing tissue on its own. Vessels from a nearby area. Free flaps are detached and reconnected using microsurgery. Flaps are chosen when a graft is not enough, for example, when bone, tendon or an implant needs padded cover.

Apex performs post-trauma and post-oncological reconstruction with pedicled and free flaps. The surgeon plans the flap around the size and depth of the defect, the function that needs restoring and the effect on the donor area. During early recovery, the team closely monitors the flap and limits activity for several weeks.

How the Procedure Can Help

Flaps bring fresh blood supply to a damaged area, which helps wounds heal and makes deeper reconstruction possible. They can cover exposed bone or tendon and restore bulk where tissue has been lost.

Risks and Considerations

A flap can be at risk if blood flow is compromised, and that is the reason for close early monitoring. Other risks include infection, fluid collection, wound separation, and a donor site that may be stiff or painful. The operation is long, recovery is gradual, and further refinement surgery is sometimes needed.