[Closure of facial defects using full-skin transplants from the face]

Full thickness skin grafts from inner or outer areas of the face to cover defects in the face following tumor excision achieve functional and cosmetic results comparable to those methods using flaps. In contrast to this method grafting of full-thickness skin can be performed under local anesthesia on an out-patient basis with low risk and inconvenience for the patient. The graft excision should be performed like a face-lifting: remove cosmetically disturbing folds and avoid visible scars. Localization of possible donor sites, pre-operative planning, surgical management, special features and results acquired with this technique are described.