Surgery of postburn defects and deformities of the face.

On the basis of about 600 cases I discuss the problems related to late repair of severe facial burns. Besides the classical methods of tissue transposition, some recent approaches, such as free transfer of various flaps and the use of secondary island flaps from the retroauricular region, are presented. In my opinion, the quality of tissue for a reconstructive procedure in the facial region and the final result of the treatment should be the main concerns in treatment. Therefore, despite the general tendency to opt for the quickest treatment, the long-lasting, staged, and--if necessary--even the most sophisticated procedures are fully justified.