ABSTRACT
THE CLASSIC ROTATION FLAP Rotation flap, one of the three main types of random-pattern flaps, is named after the method of tissue movement. The classic rotation flap can be conceptualized as a triangular defect closed by the rotation of skin around a pivot point (Fig. 1A). In reality, as the primary defect is closed by the rotation of tissue, a secondary defect is created along the curvilinear arc of the flap (Fig. 1B). This longer and narrower secondary defect contains the same surface area as the primary defect but can often be closed by a combination of simple advancement of the curvilinear arc as well as secondary advancement of the surrounding skin (Fig. 1C). As will be discussed later, a dog-ear usually forms along the outer curvilinear arc.
