Success in surgery is multifactorial. Good treatment planning is essential, and the outcome of any surgical procedure is directly related to the sequence of steps employed. However, the most overlooked parts of the procedural base is often related to flap design and the way that flap is closed when the procedure is completed.

Premature dehiscence of flaps, flap necrosis, loss of keratinized tissue, non-alignment of flap margins, loss of vascularity, and healing by secondary intention are all potential complications related to a poorly designed case. 

This lecture and virtual workshop will cover flap designs that are maximized for each type of surgical procedure, handling soft tissue deficiencies, closure of flaps over grafted areas, and management of flaps to maintain primary closure for critical surgeries. The design of flaps, with or without vertical release, flap advancement techniques, soft tissue grafting, types of sutures/needles, and maintaining vascularity for rapid post-operative healing will be covered in this course. This course is an excellent resource for the clinician with limited surgical experience and a great review for more experienced surgeons.