The "Snail Flap": A Rotation Flap in Scalp Reconstruction.

Abstract

The scalp rotation flap is still the flap of choice for scalp defects as it provides hair-bearing skin, replacing “like with like,” and can be designed to respect hairlines and patterns.1 Conventionally, these flaps are planned to be up to 8 times the diameter of the defect to allow for sufficient recruitment of scalp laxity and allow for primary closure of the secondary defect. Nevertheless, its use is limited by large flap to defect ratios (See Video [online], which displays the surgical technique of the “snail flap”). Video 1. This video displays the snail flap technique demonstrated in the article. From “The Snail Flap: A Rotation Flap in Scalp Reconstruction” Following the creation of the scalp defect, the thickness of the scalp is measured. If it is less than 5 mm, a snail flap is raised, as shown in the video, with a “flap:defect” ratio of 2:1. The tip of the flap is folded onto itself and advanced into the primary defect first. The secondary defect is then closed by spreading the tension across the entire arc. In younger patients, where the scalp thickness tends to be greater than 5 mm and there is increased scalp laxity, a “flap:defect” ratio of 1.5:1 may be chosen as the greater scalp laxity accords ease of closure (Fig. 1).