Complex Excision with Local Flap Reconstruction
Reconstructive technique that restores both function and appearance.
Procedure overview
Some lesions, due to their size or location, leave a defect too large for direct closure once removed.
A local flap uses nearby tissue, kept attached to its own blood supply, to reconstruct the area — restoring contour and function, particularly important for excisions on the face.
The patient pathway
- 01
1st consultation
The lesion and surrounding tissue are assessed to plan an appropriate reconstructive technique in advance.
- 02
Surgical planning
Flap design, expected scarring and recovery are explained in detail.
- 03
The procedure
Performed under local or general anaesthesia depending on complexity, typically 1 to 3 hours.
- 04
Follow-up
Close monitoring of the flap in the first days after surgery, with stitches removed and scar care beginning within 1-2 weeks.
Questions patients ask
Why can't the wound just be closed directly?
When a defect is too large or positioned where direct closure would distort surrounding structures, a flap gives a better functional and cosmetic result.
Will the flap 'take'?
Because the flap keeps its own blood supply, the risk of failure is low, though close monitoring in the days after surgery is important.
Will there be a noticeable scar?
Flap design is planned to follow natural skin lines wherever possible, minimising visibility over time.
How long is recovery?
Initial healing takes 1-2 weeks, with scars continuing to soften and fade over several months.