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. 2022 Dec 13;49(6):785-786.
doi: 10.1055/s-0042-1758634. eCollection 2022 Nov.

Superthin Flap Harvesting Procedure: Technical Note

Sara Calabrese  1 , Marco Innocenti  2
Affiliations

Superthin Flap Harvesting Procedure: Technical Note

Sara Calabrese et al. Arch Plast Surg. .

Abstract

The anterolateral thigh (ALT) flap has been extensively discussed in the literature as it allows for a wide variety and depth of tissues for complex wound coverage. Thanks to many cadaveric and angiographic studies of the subdermal plexus, it is to date ascertained that tailoring ALT thickness can be safely performed without compromising flap outcomes or causing additional morbidity. Recently, the authors applied and described a simpler, safer, and less time-consuming superthin ALT perforator (ALTP) free flap harvesting technique. The aim of this article is to show the versatility of the adipofascial flap harvested around the chosen perforators, which allowed us to safely expand the usage of ALTP superthin flaps.

Keywords: dermis; fascia; free tissue flaps; head; microsurgery; morbidity; neck; perforator flap; reconstructive surgical procedures; thigh.

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Conflict of interest statement

Conflict of Interest Marco Innocenti is an editorial board member of the journal but was not involved in the peer reviewer selection, evaluation, or decision process of this article. No other potential conflicts of interest relevant to this article were reported.

Figures

Fig. 1
Fig. 1
In case of single perforator, a round adipofascial flap around the pedicle is harvested.
Fig. 2
Fig. 2
In case of two perforators feeding the superthin flap, two separated adipofascial cylinders centered on each perforator are harvested.
Fig. 3
Fig. 3
In case of single but branched perforator, an elliptical-shaped adipofascial flap around the pedicle is harvested.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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