Surgery
Skin Flap Surgery
Flap surgery moves skin, and often underlying tissue with its own blood supply, to reconstruct an area after injury or cancer removal.
Quick answer
Skin Flap Surgery: what it is, why it's done and what happens
A flap is a piece of tissue — skin, and sometimes fat, muscle or bone — moved from one part of the body to another while keeping its own blood supply, unlike a graft. It is used for reconstruction where sturdier cover is needed.
- Why it is done: It is used to reconstruct areas after cancer removal, serious injury or burns, or to cover wounds over bone, tendon or where a simple graft would not survive, and in breast and facial reconstruction.
- What happens: Under general anaesthetic, the surgeon moves the flap into place, either from nearby (local flap) or a distant site with its blood vessels reconnected under a microscope (free flap).
What it is
A flap is a piece of tissue — skin, and sometimes fat, muscle or bone — moved from one part of the body to another while keeping its own blood supply, unlike a graft. It is used for reconstruction where sturdier cover is needed.
Why it is done
It is used to reconstruct areas after cancer removal, serious injury or burns, or to cover wounds over bone, tendon or where a simple graft would not survive, and in breast and facial reconstruction.
What happens
Under general anaesthetic, the surgeon moves the flap into place, either from nearby (local flap) or a distant site with its blood vessels reconnected under a microscope (free flap). It can be lengthy surgery.
Recovery
The flap is closely monitored in the early days to make sure its blood supply is healthy. Recovery takes weeks to months, with care of both the reconstructed area and the donor site.
Good to know
Risks and things to consider
Risks include the flap losing its blood supply and failing, infection, bleeding and effects at the donor site. Free flaps are complex and need specialist monitoring after surgery.
Education and reference only. This explains the procedure in general terms and is not medical advice. Your own care, risks and recovery will be explained by the team looking after you.
Answers
Skin Flap Surgery: frequently asked questions
How is a flap different from a skin graft?
A flap keeps its own blood supply as it is moved, so it is more robust and suits areas needing thicker or better-supplied cover, while a graft is thin skin that relies on the wound bed for a new blood supply.
Why is the flap monitored so closely afterwards?
The flap’s survival depends on its blood supply, especially in the first days. Frequent checks catch any problems early, when action can be taken to save the flap.
Related
Other surgery
Sources
Where this is drawn from
- NHS — Tests and treatments
- NICE — procedure and treatment guidance
- Relevant Royal College / professional body
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