Over the past 15 to 20 years there has been a renaissance in the techniques and tissue types used to repair soft tissue defects in the oral cavity and oropharynx following ablation of malignant neoplasms. Initially, pedicled cutaneous flaps were used, and then these were replaced by pedicled regional myocutaneous flaps. The second phase of reconstruction began with the advent of microvascular surgery and free tissue transfer. The third phase, however, includes further refinement of flaps, with reinnervation and improved function and esthetics.