Answer:
Flap delay was an essential aspect of flap preparation before muscle flaps were developed. Preliminary incisions were made around a portion of the flap periphery to render the flap ischemic and thereby increase circulation into the flap base. With the muscle and musculocutaneous flaps, a delay is rarely required. However, if an increase in the dimensions of the skin portion of musculocutaneous flap is desired (i.e., if the skin paddle will extend beyond the cutaneous territory of the muscle), delay of minor pedicles will enhance cutaneous flap circulation. Delays are usually performed 10 to 14 days prior to flap transfer.