Repairs

, Julie Karen1 and Perry Robins1



(1)
New York University School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA

 




Flap Overview



Classified Based on Primary Tissue Movement or Vascular Supply


Axial Flap: axial cutaneous flaps include a named artery within the flap’s longitudinal axis, used to repair larger defects (commonly nasal defects). Examples include median and paramedian forehead flaps (supratrochlear A.), the dorsal nasal flap (angular A.), and the Abbe cross-lip flap (labial A.)

Random Pattern: geometrically designed surgical repair based on either deep or adjacent vascular pedicles without named arterial blood supply, the elevated portion of the flap is perfused by the highly anastomotic subdermal and dermal vascular network.

Interpolation: staged flap in which base of flaps pedicle is noncontiguous with surgical wound, can be axial (e.g., paramedian forehead flap, and Abbe cross-lip flap) or random pattern (e.g., melolabial). Division of the pedicle is typically done at approximately day 21 but varies with surgeon preference and type of repair.


Single Advancement Flap



When/Where


To cover a defect where adequate tissue on one side is available to slide over the defect to facilitate good closure. Especially useful in areas where the parallel lines of the flap will fit into normal wrinkle lines such as those on the forehead and eyebrow. Patients with good laxity of skin (e.g., the elderly) are suitable candidates.


How


Parallel lines are cut, tissue and flap are freed from their base and slid over the defect to join with adjacent tissue. Small Burow’s triangles may be necessary to remove bulging at the base of the flap.

A308343_1_En_3_Figa_HTML.gif


Figure 3.1
Single advancement flap


Bilateral Advancement Flap (H-Plasty)



When/Where


Where it is more judicious to slide tissue from both directions to achieve good closure. Frequently used on the scalp and the upper lip.


How


See “Single Advancement Flap” section

A308343_1_En_3_Figb_HTML.gif


Figure 3.2
Bilateral advancement flap


Z-Plasty



When/Where


Mainly used to change the direction of a scar that is deforming (e.g., a long scar line) or to elongate a scar that is constricting (redirect tension vectors). Common sites for usage are the medial canthus, side of the face, and forehead.


How


Incise a Z-plasty using 60° angles; the limbs of the Z should be of equal length. The amount of tissue available on either side will determine how long the common limb of the Z (and thus, the size of the Z-plasty) can be.

A308343_1_En_3_Figc_HTML.gif


Figure 3.3
Z-plasty


M-Plasty



When/Where


When it is desirable not to extend an ellipse into a nearby structure or to avoid cutting across relaxed skin tension lines (reduce scar length). Figure 3.5 shows suggested placement sites on the face (e.g., eyebrow, outer canthus, nasolabial fold, and lips).

Only gold members can continue reading. Log In or Register to continue

Stay updated, free articles. Join our Telegram channel

Apr 1, 2017 | Posted by in Dermatology | Comments Off on Repairs

Full access? Get Clinical Tree

Get Clinical Tree app for offline access