What are Skin Flaps?

A skin flap is a piece of skin that retains at least one source of vascular support from the donor site during its transfer. Unlike skin grafts, which rely on revascularization from underlying healthy vascularized tissues for survival, skin flaps have a tethered vascular attachment.

Indications:

1. Large Skin Defects:
   • Skin flaps are particularly useful in small animals, allowing the veterinarian to utilize local or regional loose skin for closure of problematic wounds.
   • They can be transplanted into areas devoid of circulation, making them suitable for immediate coverage of exposed musculature, tendons, vessels, and nerves.

Procedure:

1. Donor Site Selection:

   • Skin tension lines and pliability are important when considering a donor site.
   • Ideally, a donor bed should have adequate skin available to close the recipient bed without creating a significant defect at the donor site that cannot be closed.
   • Common areas with ample redundant skin for donation include the neck, axilla, and flank fold.

2. Advantages:

   • Wound Closure: Skin flaps provide coverage for large wounds that cannot be closed primarily.
   • Promotes Healing: Flaps encourage granulation tissue formation and epithelialization.
   • Cosmesis: Skin flaps improve the appearance of healed wounds.

Remember that individual cases may vary, and consulting a veterinarian is essential for proper diagnosis and treatment.