[Facial skin tumors and plastic reconstruction: part 1]

Skin tumors are becoming more and more frequent due to an increased exposition to UV-radiation and the growing age of the population. At the same time expectations with regard to function and aesthetics are growing. An in-total resection of the tumor with clear margins is the first step in surgical treatment of such patients. Reconstruction of the resulting defects depends on patient-specific factors such as prior radiation therapy or prior surgery, the patient´s individual expectations and the surgeon´s skills. Local flaps are favorable in several respects, however they require a detailed plan and experience when being executed. The following article provides an overview of the most frequent facial skin tumors and the secure margins they require. Furthermore, it gives a general overview of the design of local flaps and grafts.