[Basic principles of reconstructive dermatosurgery in the head and neck region]

Plastic reconstructions in the head and neck region are common procedures in dermatology. However, the theoretical principles underlying these, which are the basis for successful surgery, are rarely taught in dermatology training. This summary of the basic theoretical concepts for plastic reconstructive surgery is intended to close this gap. Over the past 100 years, repeated attempts have been made to improve the technique of plastic reconstructive surgery and to make it more understandable though different concepts. This includes knowledge of the timing of reconstruction, the trophism of the different flaps, the incision lines, the esthetic subunits of the face and flap classification based on the ladder of plastic reconstruction.