Reconstruction of the cheek.

To reconstruct the cheek, surgeons will need a variety of techniques including local flaps, pedicled flaps, as well as split- or full-thickness skin grafts. Depending on the size and the location of the defect as well as possible impeding conditions (revision, previous irradiation) or extended surgery (parotid gland, cervical lymph nodes), the extent of surgery needs to be adapted. The aesthetic units in the face, the relaxed skin tension lines and the free margins of the lower eyelid, and the nasal ala and the lip need to be respected. Considering these conditions, various approaches in cheek reconstruction are discussed in this article. © Thieme Medical Publishers.