Contiguity

Abstract

Random Pattern These types of flap were the first to be described and were commonly used by plastic surgeons prior to detailed understanding the blood supply to the skin. Random pattern flaps are not based on a known blood vessel and include most local skin flaps. Nowadays, random pattern skin flaps are generally used for small defects in areas with good blood supply, for example, rhomboid flap for facial defect. The principle advantage of these flaps is that they are easy to raise, as the source blood vessel does not need to be identified and dissected. Their main drawback is that their dimension is limited and a strict length:breadth ratio of 1:1 must be adhered to in most anatomical sites (except for face where length:breadth ratio of up to 6:1 give reliable flaps). As our understanding the blood supply to skin has improved, “true” random pattern flaps are used less frequently as incorporation of a perforator into the flap will increase its reliability and dimensions.