V-Y Flaps

The V-Y Flaps course provides an in-depth exploration of the application of V-Y flaps in reconstructive skin cancer surgery. Designed for advanced practitioners, the course combines theoretical knowledge, clinical expertise, and practical demonstrations.

The course covers the principles, planning, and execution of V-Y flaps, focusing on their application in facial reconstruction, particularly for nasal defects. Topics covered in the course include:

Introduction to V-Y Flaps:
- Overview of the V-Y flap as a neurovascular island flap.
- Key benefits compared to skin grafts, including superior colour match, contour alignment, and faster healing.

Surgical Technique:
- Design of the V-Y flap with specific angles and incision patterns.
- Steps to ensure adequate blood supply, minimize tension, and secure the flap using dermal and skin sutures.
- Avoiding common complications such as inadequate flap size or undermining that disrupts blood flow.

Clinical Application:
- Use of V-Y flaps for repairing defects on the nose, including the sidewall and dorsum.
- Techniques to hide scars within natural creases like the nasolabial fold.

Variants of V-Y Flaps:
- Curved V-Y Flap: Adjusting the flap for scar placement along facial contours.
- Horn Flap (Nasalis Flap): A specialized variant using the nasalis muscle for enhanced bulk and support, particularly for nasal tip reconstruction.
- Anatomical considerations, including the role of the nasalis muscle and its blood supply.

Practical Demonstrations:
- Step-by-step guidance for planning, cutting, and positioning flaps using clinical models and pork parts.
- Case studies showcasing pre- and post-operative results to reinforce concepts.

This evidence-based course combines expert instruction, clinical imagery, and hands-on practice to prepare healthcare professionals for advanced surgical applications in skin cancer and reconstructive medicine.