A flap needs close contact with its bed for optimal flap survival. Using a rat dorsal flap model, flap/bed contact times were varied by use of a sterile polyethylene film. In addition, the flap was modified either by removing the panniculus carnosus or by converting the distal flap into a skin graft. Finally, the effect of using a dressing was assessed. Several observations were made: (1) The initial 6 to 12 hours of a flap's interaction with its bed is critical for optimal survival; (2) fluorescein accurately predicted flap survival upon polyethylene removal; (3) removing the panniculus carnosus increased flap and skin graft survival; (4) dressing allowed flaps and skin grafts to better withstand bed deprivation; and (5) distal flaps and skin grafts under various conditions responded differently to bed deprivation.