The major difference between grafts and flaps is whether a tissue is harvested with its blood supply or it was not harvested with its blood supply and has to be vascularized at the recipient site. If it has its blood supply, then it is called a Flap. If it does not have its blood supply, it is called Graft. Other differences of Grafts Vs Flaps are listed below.
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Differences between Grafts and Flaps
- Flaps are harvested with their blood supply
- Grafts are harvested without blood supply
- Flaps help to bring blood vessels (encourage vascularity) at the recipient site
- Flaps are used when the recipient site does not have enough capillary circulation
- Flaps are also used when the bulk, color, or contour of the donor flap tissue are desired at a recipient site this may be for cosmetic reasons
- Grafts may be harvested from different species such as from pigs
- Specialized machines or tools are used for harvesting grafts such as dermatomes and humby knife whereas flaps require use of surgical instruments
Comparison or similarities between Flaps and Grafts
- Flaps and grafts are both used to aid in wound healing
- Both can be used for cosmetic reasons
- Both can be harvested from more than one tissue such as composite graft and composite flap
- Failure of graft or flap may both be affected by presence of infection
- They are common procedures done in plastic surgery