Dr. Adeeb Derakhshan, MD

Flaps are used to reconstruct large or deep wounds, as well repair physical deformities. For example, some nasal defects can be corrected using forehead flaps. Another common procedure that uses flaps is breast reconstruction, which is surgery to restore the appearance of the breast after mastectomy (breast removal). The ability to use musculocutaneous tissue makes flaps ideal for this type of reconstructive surgery. In addition, the included blood supply in flaps brings needed oxygen and nutrients to the recipient site, promoting healing.

During flap surgery, an enormous amount of attention needs to be paid to the blood vessels (arteries, veins, and capillaries). To retain the flap's blood supply, the surgeon might form a pedicle, which is a bridge of tissue and blood vessels that connects the flap to the site it originates from. The flap is connected to its blood supply through this pedicle. It is removed only after the surgical team has made sure that the flap has healed enough to survive without it. This type of flap is called a pedicled flap.

Blood vessels may also be detached from the flap when it is harvested, and then reattached at the new location. Since the flap is not pedicled to its donor site, it is referred to as a free flap. To be able to connect blood vessels with accuracy, surgeons must use very tiny tools and special microscopes. For this reason, this type of flap reconstruction is also often called microvascular flap surgery. One advantage of free or microvascular flaps is that they are ideal for repairing larger areas, like an extensive wound or defect on the leg.

Depending on how involved a patient's flap reconstruction is, they may have to stay in the hospital for several days after the procedure. It may take six to eight weeks for the incisions to heal, and a year or more for the scars to fully fade.

Rhinoplasty may also be done to correct a deviated septum or other breathing impairment. In that case, the nasal structure is adjusted so that airflow is increased to a comfortable level.

Typically, rhinoplasty is only performed on adults because kids' and teens' faces are still growing and changing. After a rhinoplasty, healing will take 1-2 weeks, but subtle shifts in the face and occasional swelling can last up to a year.

Professional cosmetic skin treatments exist to treat wrinkles, scars, dark spots, remove excess hair, tone and tighten skin, and otherwise improve the appearance of the skin. They may use lasers, light therapy, chemical peels, microdermabrasion, or many other forms of skin treatment.

Acne occurs when hair follicles become clogged with oil and dead skin cells, most commonly on the face or back. The clogged follicles can then become infected and inflamed. Treatments include antibiotics, anti-inflammatories, and retinoid creams.

Eczema is dry, sensitive skin that causes an itchy red rash, often in response to specific triggers. It is common in childhood but can sometimes last into adulthood. The main treatment involves keeping skin well moisturized.

Dermatitis is the medical name for any kind of skin inflammation or rash. Rashes can happen because of an allergy or contact with an irritating substance. They may be red, itchy, or even painful. They are often treated with antihistamines or moisturizing creams containing cortisone.

Psoriasis is patches of thick, red skin that is covered in silvery scales. It is often itchy and sore. Psoriasis is thought to be caused by an immune disorder, and it runs in families. Psoriasis is not contagious. There is no cure, but there are medicated creams available to treat the symptoms.

Skin growths, including warts and moles, are usually not serious. However, some skin growths should be examined by a doctor to make sure they don't cause problems in the future. Warts are harmless, rough, bumpy growths caused by a viral infection. They occur most often on the hands and feet. Because they are caused by a virus, they are contagious. Moles are brown or black spots that are sometimes raised slightly from the surface of the skin. They happen when clumps of pigment cells form in a cluster instead of spread out. Moles are harmless except that they are more vulnerable to cancer than other parts of the skin. Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the United States, and its risk increases with sun exposure and fair skin tone.

Skin issues can be embarrassing or irritating, but most are minor and can be treated without serious problems. Some, however, can be a sign of a more significant issue, so it is important to see a doctor for anything out of the ordinary.