Surgery

The chapter introduces dermatologists to dermatologic surgery. The basic concepts, stitches, and techniques are explained; this allows a correct approach to the milestone of the dermatologic surgeon: the fusiform excision. The proper planning and orientation is done considering the concept of relaxed skin tension lines and cosmetic units. There are several variations of the classic ellipse such as crescentic ellipse, S-plasty, M-plasty, relaxing incision, serial excision, and wedge excision repair. The prevention of surgical complications depends on correct preoperative evaluation, proper surgical technique, postoperative care, and follow-up care. If primary approximation is not possible, flaps, grafts, and secondary healing have to be considered.SCOPUS: ch.b