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Review
. 2019 Feb;33(1):67-71.
doi: 10.1055/s-0039-1678470. Epub 2019 Mar 8.

Free Tissue Reconstruction of the Scalp

Affiliations
Review

Free Tissue Reconstruction of the Scalp

Mofiyinfolu Sokoya et al. Semin Plast Surg. 2019 Feb.

Abstract

Reconstruction of scalp defects can be accomplished by many methods, but larger defects, especially those in which the periosteum is absent or calvarial defects are present, require free tissue transfer. Various methods of scalp reconstruction, as guided by the defect components and size, are presented herein, with a focus on free tissue transfer. Different free flaps for scalp reconstructed are described with a comparison of their advantages and disadvantages. Overall, free tissue transfer for scalp defects provides a reliable, durable, and cosmetically adequate reconstructive option.

Keywords: free flap; reconstruction; scalp.

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Conflict of interest statement

Conflict of Interest None.

Figures

Fig. 1
Fig. 1
Preoperative appearance of a vertex scalp defect after multiple attempts at local flap closure.
Fig. 2
Fig. 2
Immediate postoperative appearance after microvascular free tissue reconstruction of scalp defect with radial forearm free flap.
Fig. 3
Fig. 3
Six-month postoperative appearance after radial forearm free flap.

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