The flip-flap puzzle flap: Another recycling option

Abstract

Post-traumatic soft tissue defects sometimes require sequential flap coverage to achieve complete healing. In the era of propeller flaps, which were developed to reduce donor site morbidity, Feng et al. introduced the concept of the free-style puzzle flap, in which a previously harvested flap becomes its own donor site by recycling the perforator. However, when a perforator cannot be found with a Doppler device, we suggest performing a new type of flap, the flip-flap puzzle flap, which combines two concepts: the free-style puzzle flap and the flip-flap flap described by Voche et al. in the 1990s. We present the cases of three patients who achieved complete healing through this procedure.

Reuse of the paramedian forehead flap pedicle: A case report

“…This idea is similar to the concept described by Gondolfi et al. 4 and Feng et al 5 in which a previously harvested flap can become its own donor site by recycling its blood supply. In our case, we were pleased to note that PFF pedicle reuse led to an acceptable final functional and cosmetic result.…”

“…Reconstructive surgeons should no longer think of axial pedicles as something to discard during takedown procedures as they can have an inherent reuse value. This idea is similar to the concept described by Gondolfi et al 4 and Feng et al 5 in which a previously harvested flap can become its own donor site by recycling its blood supply. In our case, we were pleased to note that PFF pedicle reuse led to an acceptable final functional and cosmetic result.…”