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Gyu-Nam Kim

Sungkyunkwan University · Medicine

About the Lab

Professor Gyu-Nam Kim's research lab specializes in advanced microsurgical reconstruction techniques, with a strong focus on perforator flaps—particularly the keystone-designed perforator island flap (KDPIF)—for optimal aesthetic and functional outcomes in complex soft-tissue defects. The lab emphasizes innovative applications of flaps in challenging anatomical sites such as the face, pretibial region, and scarred tissues, integrating principles of facial aesthetics and wound tension reduction. Their work also explores novel flap designs like the keystone-designed buried de-epithelialized (KBD) flap for dead space management, aiming to improve healing and reduce complications. The research integrates clinical outcomes with patient-reported assessments, reflecting a patient-centered approach to reconstructive surgery.

perforator flapsreconstructive surgerykeystone flapdead space managementaesthetic reconstruction

Research Overview

Papers
49
Total Citations
326
Papers (5y)
15
Primary Field
Medicine

Research Output Trend

Figures are computed from collected data and may differ slightly.

Publications per year (5y)
15total
2022
2023
2024
2025
2026
Citations per year (5y)
44total
20222023202420252026

Selected Papers

15
1
Article|30 citations·2019
Relaxed skin tension line-oriented keystone-designed perforator island flaps considering the facial aesthetic unit concept for the coverage of small to moderate facial defects
Chi Sun Yoon, Hyo Bong Kim, Young Keun Kim, Hoon Kim, Kyu Nam Kim
SJR Q3MedicineOA

A variety of reconstructive options including skin grafts, loco-regional flaps, and free flaps exist for the coverage of facial defects. Each technique has advantages and disadvantages. In this study, we present our experience with relaxed skin tension line (RSTL)-oriented, keystone-designed perforator island flap (KDPIF) reconstructions, in consideration of the facial aesthetic unit concept for coverage of small to moderate facial defects.Between May 2016 and February 2018, 17 patients (11 men

SurgeryMedicine
2
Article|27 citations·2017
Keystone-Designed Perforator Island Flaps for the Coverage of Traumatic Pretibial Defects in Patients With Comorbidities
Chi Sun Yoon, Sang-Il Kim, Hoon Kim, Kyu Nam Kim
SJR Q2The International Journal of Lower Extremity Wounds

Reconstruction of pretibial skin and soft-tissue defects remains a challenge because this area has less underlying tissues and limited tissue mobility. Here, we present a retrospective review of our experience with pretibial reconstruction using the keystone-designed perforator island flap (KDPIF) in patients with comorbidities. All defects resulted from nononcological causes. We describe the expanding versatility of KDPIF reconstruction for pretibial defects and suggest a simple algorithmic app

SurgeryMedicine
3
Article|20 citations·2019
Keystone-design perforator island flaps for the management of complicated epidermoid cysts on the back
Chi Sun Yoon, Hyo Bong Kim, Young Keun Kim, Hoon Kim, Kyu Nam Kim
SJR Q1Scientific ReportsOA

Complicated epidermoid cysts (ECs) occur commonly on the back, but few reports have described their management. We present our experience in managing patients with ECs on the back using a keystone-design perforator island flap (KDPIF) reconstruction, thereby focusing on reduction and redistribution of wound tension. Altogether, 15 patients (average age, 48.067 ± 14.868 years) underwent KDPIF reconstructions after complete excision of complicated ECs on the back. We retrospectively reviewed the m

SurgeryMedicine
4
Article|17 citations·2016
Selective salvage of zones 2 and 4 in the pedicled TRAM flap: a focus on reducing fat necrosis and improving aesthetic outcomes
Chi Sun Yoon, Kyu Nam Kim
SpringerPlusOA

The introduction of microsurgery has decreased the frequency of using the pedicled transverse rectus abdominis musculocutaneous (TRAM) flap, owing to its higher incidence of fat necrosis and limitations in flap insetting (vs. the free TRAM flap). We devised an efficient method of using zones 2 and 4, based on the pedicled flap's vascular anatomy, to reduce fat necrosis and achieve superior aesthetic outcomes during immediate breast reconstruction using the pedicled TRAM flap. Between April 2011

SurgeryMedicine
5
Article|13 citations·2018
Management of epidermal cysts arising from scar tissues
Hae‐Woong Lee, Chang Gyun Kim, Ji Song, In Chang Koh, Hoon Kim, Kyu Nam Kim
SJR Q3MedicineOA

Few reports have described epidermal cysts (ECs) arising from scar tissues, and the standard course of treatment has not been established. We aimed to report the findings of a Korean patient series with ECs arising from scar tissues, to describe patient management in the context of previous publications, and to present a simple algorithm for managing ECs arising from scar tissues.We managed 6 patients with ECs arising from scar tissues, and retrospectively reviewed their demographic and clinical

SurgeryMedicine
6
Article|13 citations·2017
Keystone-designed buried de-epithelialized flap
Hoon Kim, Wan Cheol Ryu, Chi Sun Yoon, Kyu Nam Kim
SJR Q3MedicineOA

Effective obliteration of dead space after reconstructive surgery facilitates a good cosmetic outcome and prevention of delayed wound healing and recurrent infection.We evaluated the efficacy of a keystone-designed buried de-epithelialized (KBD) flap for the obliteration of small to moderately sized surgical dead spaces.We reviewed the medical records of patients who received a KBD flap following removal of a mass or debridement of necrotic tissue from September 2015 to February 2016. The diagno

RehabilitationMedicine
7
Article|13 citations·2021
A comparative study for tension-reducing effect of Type I and Type II keystone perforator island flap in the human back
Chi Sun Yoon, Yu Taek Kong, Soo Yeon Lim, Junekyu Kim, Hyun‐Woo Shin, Kyu Nam Kim
SJR Q1Scientific ReportsOA

The keystone perforator island flap (KPIF) is popular in reconstructive surgery. However, despite its versatility, its biomechanical effectiveness is unclear. We present our experience of KPIF reconstruction in the human back and evaluate the tension-reducing effect of the KPIF. Between September 2019 and August 2020, 17 patients (51.82 ± 14.72 years) underwent KPIF reconstruction for back defects. In all cases, we measured wound tension at the defect and donor sites before and after KPIF recons

SurgeryMedicine
8
Article|11 citations·2020
Keystone design perforator island flaps for coverage of non-oncological periarticular defects surrounded by the zone of injury
Hyun Gun Lee, Soo Yeon Lim, Young Keun Kim, Chi Sun Yoon, Kyu Nam Kim
SJR Q3Journal of International Medical ResearchOA

Objective Periarticular defect coverage remains challenging because multi-vector tension forces affect wound tensile strength. This study presents our experience with keystone design perforator island flap (KDPIF) reconstruction of non-oncological periarticular defects surrounded by the zone of injury and describes the expanding versatility of KDPIF reconstruction for periarticular defects. Methods From June 2017 to July 2019, 12 patients aged 8 to 84 years underwent KDPIF reconstruction to cove

SurgeryMedicine
9
Article|10 citations·2023
Modified Keystone Perforator Island Flap Techniques for Small- to Moderate-Sized Scalp and Forehead Defect Coverage: A Retrospective Observational Study
Byung‐Woo Yoo, Oh Kap-Sung, Junekyu Kim, Hyun‐Woo Shin, Kyu Nam Kim
SJR Q2Journal of Personalized MedicineOA

We aimed to demonstrate the effective application of keystone perforator island flap (KPIF) in scalp and forehead reconstruction by demonstrating the authors' experience with modified KPIF reconstruction for small- to moderate-sized scalp and forehead defects. Twelve patients who underwent modified KPIF reconstruction of the scalp and forehead from September 2020 to July 2022 were enrolled in this study. In addition, we retrospectively reviewed and evaluated the patient's medical records and cli

SurgeryMedicine
10
Article|8 citations·2020
Use of Keystone Flaps in Consideration of the Facial Aesthetic Subunit Concept as an Alternative Reconstructive Option for Nasal Defect Coverage
Hyun Gun Lee, Yu Taek Kong, Kyu Nam Kim
SJR Q2Journal of Craniofacial SurgeryOA

ABSTRACT: Nasal defect coverage has some challenging aspects for plastic surgeons because of the midfacial location of the nose and the relationship between convexities and concavities of nasal subunits. The authors described our experience with performing keystone flap (KF) nasal reconstruction in accordance with the facial aesthetic subunit concept and demonstrated the expanding versatility of KFs in nasal reconstruction. Between January 2017 and February 2020, 15 patients (average age, 72.07

SurgeryMedicine
11
Article|8 citations·2021
Keystone Flaps for Coverage of Defects in the Posterior Neck and Lower Occipital Scalp: A Retrospective Clinical Study
Yu Taek Kong, Junekyu Kim, Hyun Woo Shin, Kyu Nam Kim
SJR Q2Journal of Craniofacial Surgery

ABSTRACT: The coverage of the posterior neck and lower occipital scalp defects should be approached carefully. Thick, stiff, and inelastic skin properties of these areas tend to make coverage of even small defects difficult. Herein, the authors present a retrospective review of our experience with posterior neck and lower occipital scalp reconstruction using the keystone flap (KF) and describe the expanding versatility of KF reconstruction. The medical records of 17 patients who underwent KF rec

SurgeryMedicine
12
Article|7 citations·2016
Modified lumbar artery perforator flaps for gluteal pressure sore reconstruction
Chi Sun Yoon, Ji Hong Yim, Min Ho Kim, Won Ha, Kyu Nam Kim
SJR Q2ANZ Journal of Surgery

BACKGROUND: Gluteal perforator flaps (GPFs) are the most useful for gluteal region pressure sore reconstruction. However, application is difficult if the surrounding area has scar tissue from previous operations or trauma, especially with recurrent sores. We describe the use of modified lumbar artery perforator flaps when GPFs cannot be used. METHODS: Between May 2009 and April 2014, 51 patients underwent gluteal pressure sore reconstructions with gluteal (n = 39) or modified lumbar artery (n =

SurgeryMedicine
13
Article|7 citations·2016
Mini‐breast reconstruction with an omental flap: a retrospective clinical study
Hoon Kim, Chi Sun Yoon, Hoon Bum Lee, Byung Kyun Ko, Gyu Yeol Kim, Kyu Nam Kim
SJR Q2ANZ Journal of Surgery

INTRODUCTION: Potential challenges associated with immediate small breast reconstruction include an inadequate size of the donor site, a thinner skin envelope and limited selection of implants. We present immediate postmastectomy reconstruction of small breasts with a laparoscopically harvested pedicled omental flap (LHPOF) in five Korean women. METHODS: From December 2014 to July 2015, we performed immediate postmastectomy reconstruction with an LHPOF in five breast cancer patients. Data on the

SurgeryMedicine
14
Article|7 citations·2016
Severe Irreversible Diastasis Recti Abdominis and Abdominal Hernia in Postpartum Women: Rare Case Report
Won Ha, Sin Young Song, Chi Sun Yoon, Kyu Nam Kim
SJR Q4International Surgery

Diastasis recti abdominis is a condition defined as the separation between the rectus abdominis and the linea alba, which leads to weakness in the abdominal muscles. Diastasis may be slight or severe, sometimes resulting in herniation of the abdominal viscera. Following childbirth, most women develop some extent of muscle separation in the postpartum period. However, if the diastasis recti abdominis in the postpartum period remain severe, it should be corrected to prevent concurrent abdominal he

SurgeryMedicine
15
Article|6 citations·2022
Modified Keystone Perforator Island Flap for Tension‐Reducing Coverage of Axillary Defects Secondary to Radical Excision of Chronic Inflammatory Skin Lesions: A Retrospective Case Series
Keun Hyung Kim, Byung Woo Yoo, Soo Yeon Lim, Kap Sung Oh, Junekyu Kim, Hyun Woo Shin, Kyu Nam Kim
SJR Q2BioMed Research InternationalOA

Axillary defect coverage is often challenging after radical excision of chronic inflammatory skin lesions, such as complicated epidermoid cysts and hidradenitis suppurativa. This retrospective case series aims to demonstrate our experience with axillary reconstruction using the modified keystone perforator island flap (KPIF) technique, emphasizing its tension‐reducing effects. All patients who presented for axillary reconstruction after radical excision of chronic inflammatory skin lesions betwe

SurgeryMedicine

Research Areas

SurgeryDermatologyOncologyPhysiologyRehabilitationHealth, Toxicology and Mutagenesis

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