Local Skin Flap Surgery in Turkey
Expert tissue reconstruction and wound closure, from £1,695 with hotel and 12 months aftercare.
A local skin flap is a surgical technique that uses nearby healthy skin and tissue to cover a wound, defect, or area of tissue loss. It is used in reconstructive surgery to repair areas where direct closure is not possible or would cause distortion.
This technique is commonly used after the removal of skin lesions, moles, or scars, and to repair areas affected by previous surgery, trauma, or burns. The result is a natural-looking repair that matches the surrounding skin in colour, texture, and thickness.
Your all-inclusive package from £1,695 covers the procedure at a government-licensed hospital, your hospital stay, 3 nights in a 5-star hotel, VIP airport transfers, a personal translator, and 12 months of aftercare.
What Is Local Skin Flap?
A local skin flap is a reconstructive technique where your surgeon lifts a section of skin and underlying tissue from an area adjacent to the wound or defect, rotates or advances it to cover the area, and sutures it in place. Unlike a skin graft (which is detached from its blood supply), a flap retains its own blood supply, which promotes better healing and a more natural final appearance.
Common types of local skin flaps include:
- Rotation flap: A semicircular flap that is rotated to cover the defect
- Advancement flap: Tissue is stretched forward to cover the wound
- Transposition flap: Tissue is moved over intervening skin to reach the defect
- Z-plasty: A technique using Z-shaped incisions to redirect a scar, release tension, or improve scar appearance
Your surgeon chooses the most appropriate flap type based on the location, size, and shape of the defect, as well as the available surrounding tissue.
Local skin flap surgery is a versatile technique used on almost any area of the body, including the face, scalp, trunk, and limbs.
Am I Suitable?
You may benefit from local skin flap surgery if you:
- Have a wound or defect that cannot be closed by direct suturing
- Need repair following removal of a skin lesion, mole, or scar
- Have scarring from a previous procedure that could benefit from revision
- Have tissue loss from trauma, burns, or previous surgery
- Want a natural-looking repair using your own tissue
- Are in good general health with adequate blood supply to the area
Your surgeon will assess the defect and the surrounding tissue to determine whether a local flap is the best approach for your situation.
What Happens During the Procedure?
Before your trip: Video consultation to assess the area requiring repair, discuss the approach, and plan the procedure.
Day 1, Arrival: VIP airport transfer to your hotel.
Day 2, Procedure day: The procedure is performed under local or general anaesthesia depending on the size and location. Duration varies from 30 minutes to 2 hours.
Day 3, Hospital/hotel: Monitoring, dressings changed if needed.
Days 4-5, Hotel recovery: Patient coordinator check-in. Light activities.
Day 6, Departure: Final check-up and VIP airport transfer.
Months 1-12: Aftercare monitoring as the flap heals and scars mature.
Recovery & Aftercare
Recovery depends on the size and location of the flap.
Days 1-5: Mild to moderate discomfort. Keep dressings clean and dry. Avoid stretching or putting tension on the repair. Pain managed with prescribed or over-the-counter medication.
Weeks 1-2: Initial healing. Sutures removed or begin to dissolve. Light activities possible. The flap may look swollen or slightly different in colour, this improves over time.
Weeks 2-4: Most patients return to normal activities. The repaired area continues to heal and blend with surrounding skin.
Months 1-6: Scars mature and fade. The flap blends with surrounding tissue in colour and texture. Some flaps require minor scar revision if the initial healing creates a visible edge, this is discussed during your consultation.
Months 6-12: Final result established. The repair typically looks very natural.
Risks & Considerations
Potential risks include infection, bleeding, flap failure (partial or complete loss of the flap's blood supply, rare with local flaps), scarring, wound healing issues, and a visible difference in skin texture or colour between the flap and surrounding skin.
Local flaps have a high success rate because the tissue retains its blood supply. Your surgeon carefully designs the flap to ensure adequate blood flow and a natural-looking result.
All procedures are performed in government-licensed hospitals with 12 months of aftercare.
UK vs Turkey: What You Save
UK prices are indicative ranges based on private healthcare providers. Your THST price is confirmed during your free consultation.
UK Aftercare: We Are Here When You Get Home
Unlike other medical tourism companies, we do not leave you on your own once you are back in the UK. We have two dedicated aftercare clinics staffed by NHS-registered wound care specialists, so you can see a professional face-to-face for wound checks, dressing changes, and recovery support.
Medical disclaimer: Results of any surgical or interventional procedure may vary from person to person. You are advised to consult your physician for detailed information before undergoing any procedure. The information on this page is for general guidance only and does not constitute medical advice. See our Medical Disclaimer for full details.
What Our Patients Say
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"My only regret was not having surgery sooner. The whole experience was positive throughout. My friends have already booked."
"Best hospital and staff you can meet. The dedication of the hospital staff and the life-changing care, everything was exceptional."
"My escorted trip was wonderfully organised. The hospital facilities were excellent and I felt safe and supported throughout."
Frequently Asked Questions
A skin flap retains its own blood supply, the tissue stays connected to the body while being moved to cover the defect. A skin graft is a piece of skin completely removed from one area and placed on another, relying on the wound bed to establish a new blood supply. Flaps generally heal better and produce more natural results.
Because a local flap uses tissue from immediately adjacent to the defect, it is the best possible match in colour, texture, and thickness. This is one of the main advantages of local flap repair over skin grafts.
Your surgeon designs the flap and places incisions to minimise visible scarring, following natural skin lines where possible. Scars are typically visible initially but fade significantly over 6-12 months. On the face, expert flap design can produce very discreet results.
Yes. Local flaps are frequently used on the face, particularly after the removal of skin lesions. The face has excellent blood supply, which supports flap healing. Experienced surgeons can achieve very natural facial reconstructions using local flap techniques.
The duration depends on the size and complexity of the defect and the type of flap required. Simple local flaps may take 30-60 minutes. More complex reconstructions can take 1-2 hours. Your surgeon will give you an estimated time during your consultation.
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