flap

In medicine, a flap refers to a piece of tissue that has been partly separated from its original location but remains attached at one end. This tissue is then moved to cover a defect, such as one caused by trauma or surgical removal of tissue, like a skin cancer. Flaps are thicker than skin grafts and can include skin, fat, fascia, or even muscle, making them useful for covering exposed bone or reconstructing areas like a nose.123

The type of flap used depends on the amount and kind of tissue needed and the available blood supply, which is crucial for nourishing the separated tissue. Tissue expanders can also be used to create extra skin for coverage.1