title: The Mercedes flap and its new variants: a 'workhorse' flap for the dermatological surgeon?
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The plastic reconstruction of defects in problem regions, such as, e.g. the heel, temple, malleolar region, sternum and capillitium, is usually a challenge.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  We describe the use of the Mercedes flap, a combination of the purse string and advancement flap, and new modifications for use in various body locations. These examples extend the scope of application in tumour surgery of the skin.
  
  
  METHODS
  We demonstrate the different techniques and practical application of the repair and evaluate the benefits and limitations.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The Mercedes flap and its modifications are an excellent method for repairing various defects in problem locations after tumour surgery of the skin.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The Mercedes flap and its modifications prove to be a good alternative to other closure types, especially in problem regions such as the shoulder, malleolar region, heel, etc. The procedure is fast and simple, with few side-effects, and proves to be a 'workhorse' flap for the dermatological surgeon.
authors.affiliation: Department Dermatology, Venereology und Allergology, Johann Wolfgang Goethe-University, Frankfurt am Main, Germany.
authors.forename: E M
authors.initials: EM
authors.lastname: Valesky
authors.affiliation: Department Dermatology, Venereology und Allergology, Johann Wolfgang Goethe-University, Frankfurt am Main, Germany.
authors.forename: R
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Kaufmann
authors.affiliation: Department Dermatology, Venereology und Allergology, Johann Wolfgang Goethe-University, Frankfurt am Main, Germany.
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Meissner
mesh_terms: D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D019651:Plastic Surgery Procedures / Q000379:methods*; D013524:Surgical Flaps