[Principles and possibilities of reconstruction with microsurgical flaps]

Microsurgical reconstructions are considered an integral art of modern reconstructive concepts, especially in the fields of trauma, tumor reconstruction, and correction of congenital deformities. Patient expectations regarding function and aesthetics of plastic surgical reconstructions are satisfied with permanently improved flap designs that also lead to a significant reduction in donor site morbidity. Together with steadily decreasing complication rates, these options have made microsurgical reconstructions a prime choice in plastic surgery, in contrast to the past, where they were considered the "last line of defense."