Like any clinical regime, the algorithm for abdominal wall reconstruction requires routine updating as new options and techniques become available. Increased experience and understanding of new applications have allowed for improvements to the approach to complex abdominal wall defects. These improvements have increased efficiency and decreased risk, particularly in the area of staged reconstruction. Surgeons have continued to rely heavily on autologous reconstruction and local tissue advancement for long-term dynamic support. The current approach to abdominal wall reconstruction is based on understanding the literature, clinical experience, and the type of patients seen in practice. This article provides surgeons with the basic guidelines to follow when faced with complex abdominal wall defects and the tools necessary to solve these difficult problems in a responsible and reliable way.