A conceptual framework for navigating the superficial territories of the face: Relevant anatomic points for the dermatologic surgeon.

ABSTRACT

Recent publications in the dermatologic surgery literature have sparked a re-emergence of interest in anatomy relevant for the Mohs surgeon necessitating a re-visit of under-appreciated concepts, regarding the topography of the face and its visceral contents from a surgically relevant perspective. This paper presents a pre-operative review and a conceptual framework for intra-operative planning for Mohs micrographic surgery and reconstruction. The key concepts presented are based on a series of (1) reviews regarding clinically significant points aimed at improving outcomes for reconstructive surgery, (2) anatomical dissections of fresh frozen cadavers, and (3) surgical experience of the authors. Basic anatomical concepts have been assimilated, surgically evaluated and re-directed toward the dermatologic surgeon in the hope that improved anatomic competence will reduce surgical hesitance.