Healing by secondary intention after skin cancer surgery on the head and neck

Defects resulting from skin cancer surgery of the head and neck can be closed with a variety of reconstruction techniques. Primary closure, local flaps and skin grafts are commonly used. Besides defect size and anatomic localization, the choice of a specific technique also depends on the dermatosurgeon's preference. Secondary intention healing often has a bad reputation and is wrongly regarded as synonymous with insufficient skills in reconstructive surgery. The indications and contraindications for secondary healing in the head and neck area are presented and related to different anatomic subunits.