Microsurgery and Free Flap Transfer

The Pinnacle of Reconstructive Surgery for the Most Challenging Cases

When large-scale tissue loss occurs—whether from severe trauma, cancer removal, or complex infections—local tissue may not be sufficient to close the wound or rebuild the defect. Reconstructive microsurgery, specifically free tissue transfer (or free flap surgery), represents the most advanced solution for these challenging cases. Our world-class microsurgery unit in Antalya is equipped with the technology and expertise to perform these intricate procedures, restoring form, function, and hope for patients with complex reconstructive needs.

What is Free Tissue Transfer Microsurgery?

A "free flap" is a section of living tissue—which can include skin, muscle, fat, and even bone—that is completely harvested from one area of the body (the "donor site"). To successfully transfer this tissue to the area in need of reconstruction (the "recipient site"), its life-giving blood supply must be restored.

Using a high-powered operating microscope, our surgeons meticulously connect the flap's tiny arteries and veins (often less than a millimetre in diameter) to the blood vessels at the new site. This delicate, hours-long process re-establishes blood flow, allowing the transferred tissue to thrive and become a permanent, living part of the reconstructed area.

The Benefits of Advanced Microsurgery

This sophisticated technique makes it possible to:

• Restore Complex Defects: Successfully rebuild a breast after mastectomy, reconstruct a jawbone after cancer removal, or salvage a severely injured limb.

• Achieve High Success Rates: In specialised, expert centres like ours, the success rate for free flap procedures is over 90%.

• Improve Both Appearance and Function: The primary goal is to restore not only a natural appearance but also critical functions like movement, support, or speech.

Your Reconstructive Microsurgery Journey

This is a major undertaking, and we are committed to providing you with clear, comprehensive information.

• Procedure Duration: Reflecting the meticulous and complex nature of the work, these operations are lengthy, typically lasting from 4 to 12 hours.

• Recovery and Rehabilitation: Recovery is a significant process that involves several weeks of initial healing. Specialised physiotherapy is often a required component of the recovery phase to help you regain optimal function.

• Longevity of Results: If the microsurgical transfer and subsequent healing are successful, the reconstruction is permanent.

• Specific Risks: This is a demanding surgery with unique risks, including flap loss (failure of the blood supply), thrombosis (a clot in the tiny repaired vessels), and the risks associated with prolonged anaesthesia. Our expert team is highly experienced in managing these complexities.

Disclaimer: The information provided on this website is for general educational purposes only and is not medical advice or a diagnosis. A personal consultation with our qualified reconstructive microsurgery team in Antalya is essential to determine if you are a candidate for this advanced procedure.