title: The Visor Flap: A Novel Design for Scalp Wound Closure.
abstract: Full-thickness scalp defects pose a reconstructive problem in the setting of infection, radiation, and underlying calvarial defects. Current options include dermal matrices, skin grafts, and local fasciocutaneous flaps. Free tissue transfer is frequently required when scalp-based flaps fail or the wound is significantly large or complex. The authors present 7 patients of complex scalp defect reconstruction using the novel visor flap. The visor flap is a bipedicled advancement flap with a triangular posterior extension. The flap was designed to redistribute tension over a large surface area that prioritizes tension-free closure of the wound over a relatively small remote donor site. This method achieved complete primary healing of the recipient site in all patients. This flap design is a durable adjunct to minimize donor site morbidity and avoid microsurgical reconstruction of hostile scalp wounds.
authors.affiliation: *University of Illinois at Chicago †Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL.
authors.forename: Lisa
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Hwang
authors.forename: Ni-Ka
authors.initials: NK
authors.lastname: Ford
authors.forename: Jamie
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Spitz
authors.forename: Marco
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Ellis
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D062109:Dermatologic Surgical Procedures / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D012535:Scalp / Q000601:surgery*; D013524:Surgical Flaps; D058106:Wound Closure Techniques; D014945:Wound Healing