Local tissue flaps help restore function and form or appearance. Local tissue flaps are most commonly used to reconstruct wounds and “surgical defects” that are created either from trauma, excision of congenital lesions (birth defects) or cancer, or sometimes even bed sores or leg ulcers.
Who needs local tissue flaps?
If you have a severe wound or a facial disfigurement caused by trauma or a disease (such as skin cancer), a local tissue flap may be the best choice to restore your appearance and function. Dr. Boynton will determine if you are a good candidate for this surgery and discuss all options with you.
Description of Local Tissue Flaps
Local tissue flap surgery is similar to free tissue transplants, except in this case, the tissue is taken from an area near the injured tissue so that it can remain attached at one end where it derives its blood supply. The new tissue is then repositioned over the damaged area and sutured in place. Unlike a skin graft, a local tissue flap includes the blood vessels, nerves, and sometimes muscle tissue or even bone.
Local tissue flap surgery is usually performed in a hospital or outpatient surgery center, but also sometimes in the office with just local anesthesia. Many patients can go home the same day, but larger, more involved flaps require overnight stay of one to several days in the hospital. The patient will be given antibiotics before surgery and often for several days afterwards. Dr. Boynton will tell you what you can expect during and after your procedure.
Recovery After Local Flap Reconstruction
You will need someone to drive you home after your hospital stay, and you may need help around the house for awhile. Dr. Boynton will monitor your progress during follow-up visits, and you will be instructed how to wash and change your dressings.
You will experience some swelling, bruising, numbness, and pain during the healing process. Dr. Boynton will let you know if an ice pack or elevating the affected area is advised, and you will be given prescriptions for pain medication and an antibiotic. The amount of time it takes to heal varies from patient to patient. It may be several months before you will be able to see the final results of your surgery.
Surgical Risks
Complications after local flap reconstruction are uncommon. Rarely, circulation to the “flap” may fail or partially fail which can cause the flap to become “congested” and lose part of its circulation. If this occurs, most of the time it heals in time, but there are times the “necrotic” tissue that failed has to be surgically removed. This is much more common in smokers because their circulation is compromised by the nicotine in cigarettes. A total flap loss rarely occurs, but when it does, it requires surgery to remove the failed tissue and start over with another flap, or sometimes graft. There is always some obligatory deformity from the “donor site” since you are “borrowing” adjacent tissue to “rebuild” a wound. Sometimes the donor site has an unsightly appearance, other times the donor site requires a skin graft to close.
Schedule a Consultation for Local Tissue Flap Reconstruction
Please contact our practice to schedule a consultation for local tissue flap reconstruction. Dr. James F. Boynton will evaluate your needs and discuss all of your treatment options with you.
