Free Flap Reconstruction

Overview

Free flap reconstruction surgery is an advanced surgical flap procedure used to repair or reconstruct areas affected by trauma, cancer removal, or birth defects. In this free flap surgery, tissues, including skin, muscle, fat, or bone, are taken from one part of the body and transferred to another. The procedure ensures a natural looking restoration by reconnecting tiny blood vessels through free flap tissue transfer. This method is commonly used for free flap breast reconstruction, head and neck surgery and free flap surgery for the face.

Why Free Flap Reconstruction Surgery is Required?

This free flap procedure is essential when large amounts of tissue need to be replaced due to:

Cancer removal (e.g, after a mastectomy or head and neck cancer surgery).

Severe injuries from accidents or burns.

Congenital deformities that require reconstruction.

Failed previous reconstructive surgeries.

Key Advantages of Free Flap Reconstruction Surgery

• Natural tissue reconstruction: Uses the patient’s own tissue making results look and feel natural.
• Long lasting results: Once healed, the free tissue flap remains for a lifetime.
• Better blood supply: Improved healing compared to other reconstructive methods.
• Minimal risk of rejection: As the patient’s tissue is used there is no risk of implant rejection.
• Restores function and appearance: Especially beneficial for free flap surgery head and neck and free flap surgery face.

How Should You Prepare Yourself Before Taking Free Flap Reconstruction Surgery Treatment?

Before undergoing a free flap procedure, you should prepare for:

• Medical Evaluation: A detailed health check up to ensure you are fit for surgery.
• Lifestyle Adjustments: Quit smoking and maintain a balanced diet to support healing.
• Discussion with Surgeon: Understand the procedure, risks and expectations.
• Preoperative Imaging: Scans may be done to assess blood vessels for free flap tissue transfer.

How Free Flap Reconstruction Surgery is Performed?

• Harvesting the Flap: The surgeon removes a surgical flap (skin, muscle, fat or bone) from a donor site (e.g, abdomen, thigh or back).
• Microvascular Surgery: Blood vessels from the free flap are connected to the recipient site using a microscope.
• Tissue Shaping: The surgeon molds the free flap to match the natural contours.
• Closure: Both donor and recipient sites are carefully closed ensuring proper blood flow.

What You Can Expect?

1. Before the Procedure:

A complete medical assessment and preoperative counseling.

Instructions on fasting and medication adjustments.

2. During the Procedure:

General anesthesia is administered.

The surgery may take 6 to 12 hours depending on the complexity.

Microscopic blood vessel connection is performed for successful free tissue flap transfer.

3. After the Procedure:

Hospital Stay: Typically 5 to 7 days for monitoring.

Swelling & Bruising: Common but subsides gradually.

Pain Management: Medications will be prescribed.

Recovery Period: It may take weeks to months for complete healing.

Physical Therapy: If needed to restore function.

Risk and Potential Complications

While free flap reconstruction is highly successful, some risks include:

• Flap failure: In rare cases the transferred tissue may not survive.
• Infection: Proper wound care minimises this risk.
• Blood Clots: Can occur but are preventable with medical supervision.
• Scarring: Present at both donor and recipient sites but can be minimised.
• Numbness or Sensation Changes: May occur temporarily.

Results/Outcomes

• Restored Appearance & Function: Patients regain a natural look and improved function.
• High Success Rate: Over 90% of cases achieve excellent results.
• Improved Quality of Life: Many patients feel more confident and return to normal activities.
• Before and After Free Flap Surgery: Visible improvements in shape, symmetry and aesthetics.