Surgery and plastic What is a free flap procedure?
“Free flap,” also known as “free tissue transfer,” is a term for a procedure in which tissue and its blood supply (artery and vein) are surgically removed from one part of the body and transferred to another area of the body for the purpose of reconstruction.
How long does free flap surgery take?
Your plastic surgeon will then place stitches in your face and neck to connect them to the soft tissue. The reconstructive part of the surgery usually takes 6 to 8 hours.
What is a flap in plastic surgery?
86.7. Flap surgery is a technique in plastic and reconstructive surgery where any type of tissue is lifted from a donor site and moved to a recipient site with an intact blood supply. This is distinct from a graft, which does not have an intact blood supply and therefore relies on growth of new blood vessels.
What is the difference between a skin graft and a flap?
A “skin graft” is the transfer of a portion of the skin (without its blood supply) to a wound. A “flap” consists of one or more tissue components including skin, deeper tissues, muscle and bone.
Is flap surgery painful?
Most patients experience some discomfort after a flap procedure. Depending on your needs, we may prescribe pain medication or recommend over-the-counter medicine. It is important to relax after surgery, as strenuous activity may cause the treated area to bleed.
What is a free flap in medical terms?
A type of surgery used to rebuild the shape of the breast after a mastectomy. A tissue flap, including blood vessels, skin, fat, and sometimes muscle, is removed from one area of the body, such as the back or abdomen. It is then reattached to the chest to form a new breast mound.
How long does flap surgery take?
DIEP flap reconstruction surgery takes about 6 to 8 hours.
Why is flap surgery done?
A flap procedure is often needed to save teeth that are supported by a bone damaged by gum disease. Gum disease usually will come back if you do not brush and floss regularly after surgery.
What can I eat after flap surgery?
Semi-solid foods may be eaten as long as this may be done comfortably. Eggs, custard, yogurt, pasta, steamed vegetables, casseroles, cooked cereals are some things that you might consider eating during the first few days following your surgery. Avoid spicy, salty, acidic, very hot or very cold foods or liquids.
How does flap surgery work?
Flap surgery
The procedure involves lifting the gums off of the teeth to remove tartar buildup. After the surgeon has cleaned the area and removed the tartar, they will stitch the gums into place to fit around the teeth. Sometimes, the bone may require reshaping during this procedure.
How long do skin flaps take to heal?
Keeping the site moist with the above procedures will hasten healing and provide you with the nicest scar possible. Do not wear make up over the incisions or flap until the sutures are removed (or have dissolved), and a thin layer of new skin covers the area. This usually takes 7 to 10 days.
How is a skin flap done?
How is skin flap surgery done? Surgery is done by cutting a part of your healthy skin at the donor site. The flap may be pulled, turned, or twisted to fit the wound perfectly. Skin flaps completely cut from the donor site will have their blood vessels reconnected to blood vessels at the flap site.
How long is hospital stay after skin graft?
After the Procedure
If you received this kind of graft, you may need to stay in the hospital for 1 to 2 weeks. After you are discharged from the hospital, follow instructions on how to care for your skin graft, including: Wearing a dressing for 1 to 2 weeks.
Does skin grow back after skin graft?
A partial thickness (or split thickness) skin graft is where the epidermis and a part of the dermis layer is used. The skin is usually taken from the thigh, buttock or upper arm. Skin will grow back in this area. A full thickness skin graft is where the epidermis and the full dermis layers are used.