flap

a section of tissue, usually SKIN , that is excised from the underlying tissues except for one thin strip ( PEDICLE ) that is left for blood and nervous supply. The flap is used to repair an injury at another site in the body, the free part being sutured into place. After about three weeks, when the healing process is well under way, the remaining strip is detached and sewn into place. Flaps are commonly used in plastic surgery and also following amputation of a limb. See SKIN GRAFTING .