Flap vs graft: what’s the difference?

Flap vs. Graft—What’s the difference? 🤔 This is a common source of confusion from consults, especially from the ED and medicine services, so here’s a quick breakdown:

✅ Graft: No blood supply, used for superficial wounds. It relies on diffusion from the wound bed to survive, and is generally a pretty quick recovery.

✅ Flap: Has a blood supply, used for deeper wounds or those with important structures exposed. It can be a local flap (moved from near the wound) or a free flap (transferred from another part of the body and reconnected). These are generally bigger surgeries with longer recoveries.

We always prioritize the least invasive option to “do no harm”—generally speaking, if a graft works, we’ll do that; if a flap is needed, we consider local options first before thinking about a free flap. 👩‍⚕️

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Disclaimer: I am a plastic surgery resident which means I am still in training. This and all of my posts are intended as educational content, not medical advice. Have specific questions about a procedure I’m talking about? Consult with a board-certified plastic surgeon in your area! 🥼