🩺 Flap Surgery (Reconstructive Flap Procedure)

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Flap surgery is a reconstructive technique that involves moving healthy skin, fat, muscle, or a combination of tissues from one part of the body to another to repair complex wounds, defects, or surgical areas. Unlike skin grafts, flaps maintain their own blood supply, making them ideal for deeper, more demanding reconstructions.

Flap procedures are used after trauma, cancer surgery, infections, burns, or congenital conditions, and are essential in restoring both function and aesthetics.

• Large or deep wounds that cannot heal on their own
   
• Soft tissue coverage after cancer removal (e.g. head, breast, or limbs)
   
• Post-traumatic tissue loss (e.g. exposed bone, tendon, or hardware)
   
• Chronic wounds (e.g. diabetic foot ulcers or pressure sores)
   
• Facial or body reconstruction after burns or congenital defects
   
• Improving mobility, appearance, and quality of life

Dr. Aicee Bernal is a board-certified plastic and reconstructive surgeon with advanced experience in microsurgery, flap design, and complex tissue reconstruction. Whether using a local flap, regional flap, or free flap technique, she carefully evaluates each patient’s needs to achieve long-lasting, functional, and natural-looking results.

Her skill in both aesthetic finesse and medical precision ensures that each flap surgery is as effective as it is minimally invasive — particularly important for visible areas like the face, breast, or limbs.

• Types of Flaps Offered:
  Local flaps (rotated or advanced from nearby skin) or Regional flaps (from adjacent anatomical areas)
   
• Procedure Time: Varies from 2 to 6 hours depending on complexity
   
• Anesthesia: General anesthesia
   
• Hospital Stay: 2–7 days
   
• Recovery Time: 2–6 weeks depending on flap type and site
   
• Follow-up: Regular wound checks, functional therapy if needed, scar care

Q: How is flap surgery different from skin grafting?
A: Unlike skin grafts, flaps carry their own blood supply, making them suitable for deeper wounds and areas with poor circulation.

Q: Is this procedure painful?
A: It is done under anesthesia. Postoperative discomfort is managed with pain medications and proper wound care.

Q: What are the risks?
A: As with any surgery, there’s a risk of bleeding, infection, or flap failure. Dr. Aicee carefully plans and monitors each case to maximize success rates.

Q: Will the flap look natural?
A: Yes. Dr. Aicee ensures that both function and cosmetic outcome are addressed, especially in exposed or sensitive areas like the face, breast, or extremities.

Whether you're recovering from trauma, surgery, or chronic wounds, flap surgery can restore both form and function.
Schedule a private consultation with Dr. Aicee Bernal, one of the Philippines’ most trusted plastic and reconstructive surgeons.