Introduction to flap movement: reconstruction of five similar nasal defects using different flaps.
BACKGROUND
There are several options for closure of a given surgical defect after tumor extirpation is confirmed. Flap reconstruction is one of these options.


OBJECTIVE
The purpose of this article is to introduce the three basic types of flap movement: advancement, rotation, and transposition.


METHODS
Five similar defects located on the nasal sidewall were repaired, each using a different flap design.


RESULTS
The optimal flap design for a given defect on a particular patient is based on the answers to a series of questions: Where is the available tissue reservoir? How can tissue be mobilized from the reservoir to cover the defect? How do the resulting tension vectors affect critical structures? Where are the final incision lines?


CONCLUSIONS
Many factors must be evaluated before determining a method of reconstruction. Flap reconstruction requires a thorough understanding of anatomy and tissue movement.
Chen
Elbert H
EH
Department of Dermatology, Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York, NY 10032, USA.
Johnson
Timothy M
TM
Ratner
Désirée
D
D000368:Aged; D002280:Basal Cell Carcinoma / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery; D002294:Carcinoma, Squamous Cell / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D015580:Mohs Surgery; D009666:Nose / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery; D019651:Plastic Surgery Procedures / Q000379:methods; D012225:Rhinoplasty / Q000379:methods; D012878:Skin Neoplasms / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery*; D013524:Surgical Flaps