The preexpanded anterolateral thigh free flap.

The anterolateral thigh flap has many of the attributes of the ideal soft-tissue flap. However, a major detriment is the potential conspicuous donor site deformity, especially if skin grafted. In elective situations, preexpansion of the lateral thigh with subsequent transfer of even a wide anterolateral thigh flap can permit primary donor site closure and avoidance of a skin graft. This has been achieved successfully in 2 compliant patients, and is a reasonable solution to minimize the morbidity of this otherwise important donor site.