In a delayed flap graft, the graft is typically mobilized after how many days?

In a delayed flap graft, the graft is typically mobilized after how many days?

• A. 7 days
• B. 21 days
• C. 28 days
• D. 14 days

Answer: (D)

Delayed flap grafting relies on giving the flap time to develop its own blood supply from the recipient bed before final transfer. After you prepare the flap and leave it to integrate with the surrounding tissue, new vessels grow into the flap and establish perfusion. This revascularization process typically reaches a safe level by about two weeks, so mobilizing the graft around day 14 provides a good balance between ensuring viability and avoiding unnecessary delays. In practice, this two-week window is common for many cutaneous flaps, though the exact timing can vary with flap type and patient factors.

Delayed flap grafting relies on giving the flap time to develop its own blood supply from the recipient bed before final transfer. After you prepare the flap and leave it to integrate with the surrounding tissue, new vessels grow into the flap and establish perfusion. This revascularization process typically reaches a safe level by about two weeks, so mobilizing the graft around day 14 provides a good balance between ensuring viability and avoiding unnecessary delays. In practice, this two-week window is common for many cutaneous flaps, though the exact timing can vary with flap type and patient factors.