Palatal flap.

The esthetic and functional demands of maxillofacial reconstruction have driven the evolution of an array of options. The palatal flap offers a technically simple and predictable option for intraoral reconstruction. Moreover, the palatal island flap is the only available flap that can provide keratinized mucosa for defect reconstruction. Patients usually encounter minimal postoperative morbidity, and should expect a rapid return to a normal diet. Although the palatal flap cannot serve as a panacea for most intraoral reconstruction, it provides the reconstructive surgeon with a great armamentarium.