title: Achieving an optimal cosmetic result with excision of lesions on the face.
abstract: This article offers an approach to excising lesions on the face considering a simple excision and closure by contraction, excision as an ellipse and primary closure, flap cover, and skin graft. However, the article concentrates on the geometry and mechanics of flap design. The mechanics of the 3 simple flaps (advancement, transposition, and rotation) are initially examined. Additionally, commonly used flaps, which are variations of the above, are also examined. Understanding flap geometry and design is the essence of all pedicle flaps, and will achieve an optimal cosmetic result.
authors.affiliation: Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, University of Cape Town and Groote Schuur Hospital, Wilderness Road, Claremont, Cape Town, South Africa. donald.hudson@uct.ac.za
authors.forename: Donald A
authors.initials: DA
authors.lastname: Hudson
mesh_terms: D002921:Cicatrix / Q000601:surgery; D004954:Esthetics; D005145:Face / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D015361:Rhytidoplasty / Q000379:methods*; D012871:Skin Diseases / Q000601:surgery*; D016038:Skin Transplantation; D013524:Surgical Flaps / Q000145:classification*; D016896:Treatment Outcome