Personal method for anterolateral thigh flap elevation

The anterolateral thigh (AL-T) flap has many advantages for reconstructing several kinds of defects. This is due to its long and wide vascular pedicle, relatively thin skin, and good pliability. The AL-T flap can be used as a thinned flap, adipofascial flap, sensate flap, and combined flap with other flaps whose pedicle has been anastomosed to the branches of the AL-T flap pedicle. However, several anatomical variations have been identified and this is the main reason that this flap is not widely used worldwide. In this paper, a personal method for elevating the AL-T flap safely and reliably is described in detail with respect to variations in its vascular anatomy. It is hoped that many reconstructive surgeons will become familiar with this ideal flap and apply it in various kinds of reconstruction.