There are different injuries that can be well treated with flap surgeries. Therefore, there are countless types of flaps available to suit all situations. If we are to broadly classify different types of flaps, we can divide it into two categories: Local Flaps and Free Flaps.
1. Local Flaps: As already mentioned, flaps remain attached to their original blood vessels. They are just turned, stretched and twisted to reach their new position. The type of technique followed to bring the flap to its desired position, gives rise to different type of local flaps.
Flaps that reach the desired position by just moving forward with no sideways movement are known as advancement flaps. When flaps are rotated along a focal point to reach an adjacent side, they are called rotation flaps.
Injuries are also sometimes treated with adjacent flaps that are just moved laterally. These flaps are known as transposition flaps. Tissues that are taken from nearby side to treat defects that are not adjacent to them are called interpolation flaps.
2. Distant or free flaps: These are the most complex type of flaps. In this technique, the flaps are taken from donor site that is far away from the recipient site. The flap initially remains connected to its original blood supply along with the new blood supply. This forms a bridge. However, original source of blood supply can then be detached if required, thus breaking the bridge. An example of this type of surgery is the removal of great toe to construct a thumb.
Flap surgeries are used for all kinds of treatments, ranging from dental procedures, facial trauma cure or breast reconstruction while undergoing breast cancer surgery etc. Therefore, recovery period for these surgical treatments depends on the type of operation you undergo. However, patients are always needed to follow all post operative instructions given by their surgeons to have a quick recovery. Any disturbance must be immediately reported to avoid future complications.
