Plastic surgery nowadays contributes decisively in treatment of patients with chronic ulcers. Chronic ulcers present usually on the upper and lower limbs although they may develop anywhere on the human body and are difficult to treat.
Various diseases, such as diabetes and abnormalities of the vascular net are the common causes of a chronic ulcer.
Treatment requires collaboration of different medical and surgical specialties. The patient must show patience and perseverance in therapy and may have to undergo multiple surgical debridements, regular dressing changes and daily visits to the hyperbaric oxygen chamber.
When these ulcers are extended and the excision of skin and subcutaneous tissue required is large, the plastic surgeon may use a variety of surgical flaps, cleverly designed on the nearby healthy areas, to achieve closure of the problematic skin region.
