skin tension lines

Upload: -

Post on 10-Apr-2018

222 views

Category:

Documents


0 download

TRANSCRIPT

  • 8/8/2019 Skin Tension Lines

    1/22

    Skin Tension Lines

    Skin tension lines (STLs) are the result of a complex interaction between internal

    and external factors involving the skin. The intrinsic framework, which consists of

    elastin and collagen, progressively loosens with age. Their interaction with themuscles of facial expression leads to the development of STLs. Generally, STLs

    are perpendicular to the underlying muscles of the face. Aging, particularly

    photoaging, tends to accentuate the appearance of STLs.

    In the repair of STLs, the correct placement of the long axis of an excision parallel

    to the STLs results in better scar cosmesis. Furthermore, flaps should be placed to

    allow the suture lines to fall in STLs. Although STLs may vary between

    individuals, some areas of the face have greater variability than others. Typically,

    the forehead, which has 1 major muscle group that pulls it vertically, has littleindividual variability; nearly everyone has horizontal STLs. In comparison,

    anatomic areas where multiple muscles act in different directions are likely to have

    greater variability.

    In elderly patients, the direction of the relaxed STLs is generally obvious. In areas

    of ambiguity, excising the lesion as a circle and undermining it invariably pulls the

    surgical defect into an oval with the long axis corresponding to the relaxed STL.

    Skin tension lines. Illustrated by Charles Norman.

  • 8/8/2019 Skin Tension Lines

    2/22

    Cosmetic Units and Subunits

    Junction lines are fixed landmarks that separate the cosmetic units of the face.

    Cosmetic subunits. Illustrated by Charles Norman.

    Placing the suture lines on these boundaries (eg, eyebrow, nasolabial fold)

    optimizes scar formation. When a surgical wound is closed, repairing the wound

    in a cosmetic unit along a junction line is best. In larger defects that require a flap,

    the best results are achieved by using tissue from the same or adjacent cosmetic

    unit and by placing suture lines on the boundaries of those units. Subunits within

    cosmetic units are often subtle and individually variable. Paying attention to

    subtleties such as color, texture, sebaceous features, and hair characteristics help

    in identifying the changes between the subunits.

    The scalp and forehead are individual cosmetic units that are separated by the

    hairline. In a bald individual, the top horizontal forehead crease serves as the

    junction line. Subunits of the forehead include the glabella, temples, and eyebrows.

  • 8/8/2019 Skin Tension Lines

    3/22

    Forehead subunits. Illustrated by Charles Norman.

    The eyelids are a complex structure with multiple subunits that mimic the

    underlying orbicularis oculi muscle. The largest component of the eyelid is the

    orbital portion, which borders the eyebrow superiorly and the cheek inferiorly.

    Just below the eyebrow is the preseptal area and then the pretarsal portion

    where eyelashes insert. Additional components of the eyelid include the superior

    palpebral fold, the palpebral fissure, the medial limbus, and the medial canthus.

    Eyelid subunits. Illustrated by Charles Norman.

  • 8/8/2019 Skin Tension Lines

    4/22

    The cheek region is subdivided by the anterior prominence of the clenched

    masseter muscle. The masseter-parotid region lies posterior to this landmark and

    is posteriorly bound by the ear. The mandibular region lies anterior to the

    masseter and inferior to the lower lip. The malar subunit is around the zygoma

    anterior to the masseter muscle. This subunit is referred to as the anterior region.

    Subunits of the anterior region. Illustrated by Charles Norman.

    The subdivisions of the external ear allow for good clinical descriptions of skin

    lesions in this location.

    Subunits of the ear. Illustrated by Charles Norman.

  • 8/8/2019 Skin Tension Lines

    5/22

    The nose1

    has the most subdivisions on the face.

    Subunits of the nose. Illustrated by Charles Norman.

    The horizontal root, which borders the glabella on the forehead, is positioned

    superiorly. The mid nose contains the dorsum medially and is flanked by the 2

    lateral sidewalls. The dorsum is inferiorly bordered by the tip, which ends in the

    columella. The columella is the thin sliver of tissue that separates the nostrils on

    the underside of the nose. The tip is bordered by the ala nasi, or alae, on both

    sides, and the columella is flanked by the soft triangles, which also border the tip

    andthealae.

  • 8/8/2019 Skin Tension Lines

    6/22

    The lower part of the face is dominated by the subunits of the lip.

    Subunits of the lower part of the face. Illustrated by Charles Norman.

    Below the nose in the moustache area are the cutaneous regions of the upper lip,

    which are separated from the cheek by the nasolabial fold. The middle depression

    below the nose, known as the philtrum, is an important anatomic subunit because

    even minimal displacement of this structure results in significant disfigurement.

    The lips constitute the vermilion subunit. The cutaneous lower lip, which borders

    the chin inferiorly and is bound by the nasolabial fold laterally, is below the

    vermillion.

  • 8/8/2019 Skin Tension Lines

    7/22

    Muscles of Facial Expression and the Superficial

    Musculoaponeurotic System

    Muscles of facial expression

    The muscles of facial expression are unique in a number of ways. Rather than

    inserting into bones or tendons, all of the muscles of facial expression originate

    from or insert into the skin. They are all derived from the second embryonic

    branchial arch and are innervated by the seventh cranial (facial) nerve. Different

    anatomic areas of the face have synergistic and antagonist groups of muscles that

    enable individuals to make varied facial expressions.

    Muscles affecting the forehead and eyebrow include the frontalis muscle, which

    creates the horizontal wrinkles on the forehead and assists with eyebrow elevation,

    and the corrugators and procerus muscles, which are antagonistic muscles on theforehead. The orbicularis oculi muscles are a complex of muscles surrounding the

    eyes; these assist with closing the eye tightly. This muscle lies superficially in the

    eyelid skin and is encountered with even a shallow incision. The dominant muscle

    of the nose is the nasalis muscle, which consists of nasal and alar components. Its

    function is to compress and dilate the nares.

    The mouth has the most extensive network of facial musculature and accounts for

    much of an individual's capability of facial expression. The orbicularis oris

    encircles the mouth and is the major component of the lips. The major functions of

    the orbicularis oris muscle are to pull the lips against the teeth, to draw the lips

    together, to pull the corners of the mouth together, and to pucker. This muscle is

    also extremely important for the phonation of sounds that rely on the lips, such as

    the pronunciation of the lettersM, V, F, and P.

    A group of 6 muscles, collectively known as the quadratus labii superioris muscle,

    controls the upper mouth. The 6 muscles are as follows:

    The zygomaticus major muscle starts from the posterolateral zygomatic

    bone and travels medially to insert on the upper portion of the orbicularisoris muscle. The zygomaticus major muscle helps in forming the lower

    nasolabial fold and is primarily responsible in smiling.

    The zygomaticus minor muscle arises just medially to the zygomaticus

    major and assists with its functions.

    The levator labii superioris muscle arises from the inferior portion of the

    maxilla and inserts on the upper lip, more medially than the zygomaticus

  • 8/8/2019 Skin Tension Lines

    8/22

    muscles. The levator labii superioris muscle helps elevate the medial part of

    the upper lip and assists the zygomatic muscles with open smiling. The

    levator and zygomaticus muscles form the nasolabial fold.

    The levator anguli oris muscle is the most deeply positioned of the lip

    elevators and inserts on the upper corner of the mouth to assist with lipelevation.

    The risorius muscle arises over the parotid gland, inserts into the skin and

    mucosa of the lateral corner of the mouth, and assists with smiling. The

    risorius is not always present.

    The buccinator muscle is neither an elevator nor a depressor of the lip. It

    arises just posterior and medial to the last molar tooth and extends forward

    to become continuous with the orbicularis oris muscle. The buccinator

    muscle is the major component of the cheek musculature and prevents

    overdistension of the cheek (eg, in playing a wind instrument). This muscleassists the orbicularis oris muscle in whistling.

    The depressors of the lip include the depressor anguli oris, the depressor labii

    inferioris, and the mentalis muscles. The marginal mandibular branch of the facial

    nerve innervates the depressors of the lip.

    The depressor anguli oris muscles arise from the lateral part of the

    mandible and travel superomedially to insert, with the orbicularis oris

    muscle, in the corners of the mouth. They function to depress and retract

    the corners of the mouth.

    The depressor labii inferioris muscles arise more medially on the mandible

    and travel superiorly to insert, with the orbicularis oris muscle, in the lower

    and medial part of the lip. Similar to the depressor anguli oris muscle, these

    muscles assist with the depression and retraction of the lower lip.

    The mentalis muscle, which is deep to both the depressor anguli oris and

    labii inferioris muscles, arises from the mandible and lower lateral incisor

    and courses inferiorly to insert on the skin covering the chin. The mentalis

    muscle elevates and wrinkles the chin and assists in protruding the lower

    lip.

    Superficial musculoaponeurotic system

    The facial musculature must work synergistically to allow for a wide range of

    facial expressions. The superficial musculoaponeurotic system (SMAS) is a

    discrete fibromuscular layer that envelops and interlinks the muscles to provide

  • 8/8/2019 Skin Tension Lines

    9/22

    these synergies. The SMAS delineates the dissection planes for the extensive

    undermining necessary in facial rejuvenation procedures.

    In addition, the SMAS serves as a useful marker in assessing the location of vital

    blood vessels and nerves. The superficial portion of the SMAS generally houses

    the axial blood vessels and sensory nerves, whereas the deeper levels contain the

    more vital motor nerves. The SMAS is generally located beneath the subcutaneous

    fat and superficial to the muscles. Superior to the zygoma, the SMAS links the

    temporalis, frontalis, occipitalis, and procerus muscles into a freely moveable

    continuous plane that connects with the subgaleal space. Inferiorly, the fascial

    anatomy is unclear; however, the SMAS interconnects the platysma, risorius, and

    depressor anguli oris muscles inferior to the zygoma. The muscles of the medial

    aspect of the face, including the orbicularis oculi, lip elevator, and nasal muscles,

    are not ensheathed by an interconnected SMAS.

  • 8/8/2019 Skin Tension Lines

    10/22

    Nerves

    Sensory nerves

    The trigeminal nerve, or cranial nerve (CN) V is primarily responsible for the

    sensory innervation of the face. The cervical, facial, glossopharyngeal, and vagus

    nerves have smaller contributions. The sensory nerves are typically located more

    superficially than the motor nerves, along the junction of the fat and the SMAS.

    Transection of the sensory nerves does not result in the serious morbidity that

    motor nerve damage causes, and the recovery of sensory function after such injury

    is typical.

    The trigeminal nerve is divided into 3 branches: ophthalmic (CN V1), maxillary

    (CN V2), and mandibular (CN V3).

    Distribution of cranial nerve V. Illustrated by Charles Norman.

    The V1 division provides sensation to the anterior part of the scalp, forehead,

    upper eyelid, and nasal bridge. Branches that arise around the superior orbital rim

    include the supraorbital, supratrochlear, infratrochlear, external nasal, and lacrimal

    branches. The V2 division supplies sensation to the lower eyelid, nasal sidewalls

    and columella, temple, and upper lip. Its major branch is the infraorbital nerve,

    which emerges from the infraorbital foramen with the infraorbital artery and vein.

    Other smaller branches include the zygomaticofacial and zygomaticotemporal

    nerves. The V3 division is the largest and most complicated of the divisions of CN

  • 8/8/2019 Skin Tension Lines

    11/22

    V. It is the only division that carries motor fibers. The mandibular nerves provide

    sensation to the lower lip, chin, mandible, and preauricular areas.

    The auriculotemporal, buccal, and mental nerves are the 3 major cutaneous

    branches of the mandibular nerve. The auriculotemporal nerve sends sensory fibers

    to the auricles, temples, and temporal parietal aspect of the scalp. In addition, it

    provides sensation to the external auditory canals, eardrums, and

    temporomandibular joints, and it carries some secretory fibers to the parotid

    glands. The buccal nerve is inaccessible for nerve blocks because of its deep

    location. It sends fibers to the cheek, mucosa, and gingiva. The mental nerve is the

    continuance of the inferior alveolar nerve, and it emerges from the mental foramen

    on the chin. It provides sensation to the chin, lower lip, mucosa, and gingiva of the

    lower lip. The motor component of the trigeminal nerve primarily innervates the

    muscles of mastication.

    The cervical plexus lies deep to the sternocleidomastoid muscle. The plexus

    provides sensation to several important structures and is derived from C2 through

    C4. These nerves include the great auricular (C2, C3), lesser occipital (C2), greater

    occipital (C2), third occipital (C3), transverse cervical (C2, C3), and

    supraclavicular nerves. They send sensory fibers to the neck, posterior part of the

    ear, and postauricular scalp. The spinal accessory and cervical nerves emerge near

    the Erb point in the posterior triangle on the neck and are easily damaged during

    cutaneous surgery.

    Lastly, sensory branches of the vagus, glossopharyngeal, and facial nervesinnervate the skin of the external auditory canal, the concha, and the posterior

    sulcus. Awareness of the sensory branches of the face allows the use of nerve

    blocks, which provide effective anesthesia with minimal discomfort for the patient.

    Mental, infraorbital, and supraorbital blocks are easily achieved after the

    identification of their respective foramina, which lie in the midpupillary plane.

  • 8/8/2019 Skin Tension Lines

    12/22

    Foramina for nerve blocks. Illustrated by Charles Norman.

    Motor nerves

    CN VII, also known as the facial nerve, provides motor innervation to all the

    muscles of facial expression. CN VII also provides motor fibers to the digastric,

    stylohyoid, and stapedius muscles. In addition, sensory innervation to the anterior

    two thirds of the tongue, external auditory meatus, soft palate, and pharynx is

    mediated via the facial nerve. The motor portion of the facial nerve is divided into

    5 major branches, but individual variation is common, with numerous smaller

    arborizations emanating from each major branch. The main facial nerve trunk

    emerges from the stylomastoid foramen, which is covered by the mastoid process,

    and along the posterior deep portion of the parotid gland. The main facial nerve

    trunk then divides into the temporal, zygomatic, buccal, mandibular, and cervical

    branches.

    Branches of the facial nerve. Illustrated by Charles Norman.

  • 8/8/2019 Skin Tension Lines

    13/22

    The temporal branch innervates the muscles of the upper part of the face

    including the upper orbicularis oculi, frontalis, and corrugator muscles. This

    branch is extremely susceptible to inadvertent injury because it travels

    superficially when it crosses the middle portion of the zygoma.

    Course of the temporal nerve and location of the Erb point. Illustrated by Charles Norman.

    Transection of the temporal branch most prominently leads to unilateral frontalis

    dysfunction, which leaves the patient with ptosis and the inability to raise his or her

    eyebrows.

    The zygomatic branch provides motor fibers to the lower orbicularis oculi,

    procerus, some lip elevator, and some nasal muscles.

    The buccal branch often has numerous anastomotic connections with the

    zygomatic branch and sends fibers to similar muscles, in addition to the buccinator,

    orbicularis oris, depressor anguli oris, and risorius muscles. The buccal and

    zygomatic branches travel superficially over the buccal fat pad and just below the

    SMAS. This orientation makes them susceptible to injury during face-lift

    procedures. Transection of the nerves of the zygomatic and buccal branch leads tounpredictable defects, because muscular innervation in the mid face is variable.

    In general, the marginal mandibular nerve does not have anastomotic connections.

    It innervates the orbicularis oris and lip depressor muscles. The anatomic course of

    the marginal mandibular nerve is unpredictable, but it should be considered in any

    excision near the angle of the mandible and the inferior margin of the parotid

  • 8/8/2019 Skin Tension Lines

    14/22

    gland. Transection of the marginal mandibular nerve leads to extreme cosmetic and

    functional loss because the muscles of the mouth enable a significant amount of

    facial expression. The marginal mandibular branch of the facial nerve has a

    superficial course near the mandible and chin. This nerve usually lies anterior to

    the facial artery, which is palpable anterior to a clenched masseter muscle.

    Course of the marginal mandibular nerve. Illustrated by Charles Norman.

    Transection of this nerve results in a droopy lip and subsequently drooling.

    Excisions on the lips can also lead to drooling, but not because of the transection of

    a motor nerve in this location.

    The cervical branch is posterior and deep to the marginal mandibular nerve and

    innervates the platysma muscle. The cervical branch is of little importance to the

    cutaneous surgeon because its transection does not result in great functional or

    cosmetic loss.

    The cutaneous surgeon must be aware of the delayed effects of local anesthetic on

    motor fibers. The unmyelinated sensory fibers lose conduction instantaneously,

    whereas the deeper myelinated motor fibers may lose their function only after a

    prolonged procedure with possibly greater anesthetic volume. Thus, the surgeon

    should not be alarmed by the delayed onset of a facial muscle paralysis. This effecton the motor nerves can last as long as 12 hours, and the patient should be

    appropriately counseled.

  • 8/8/2019 Skin Tension Lines

    15/22

    Blood Vessels

    The external carotid artery provides most of the arterial blood supply to the face;

    the internal carotid artery makes a smaller contribution. The external carotid artery

    is the origin of the facial artery deep to the mandible near the pharynx. The facialartery courses around the jaw anterior to the masseter, where it is palpable, and

    continues superomedially to end as the angular artery near the medial canthus.

    Along its path, the facial artery serves as the origin to the inferior and superior

    labial arteries as well as smaller nasal branches. It provides the arterial blood

    supply to the lips and the middle of the face. At its terminal point, the facial artery

    connects with the ophthalmic artery, which provides important anastomoses with

    the internal carotid system.

    Prior to its terminal differentiation, the external carotid artery results in the

    occipital and posterior auricular arteries, which supply the posterior part of thescalp and the postauricular areas. The terminal branches of the external carotid

    artery are the superficial temporal and internal maxillary arteries.

    The superficial temporal artery arises in the parotid gland superficial to the

    branches of the facial nerve. The artery courses superiorly and results in the

    horizontal transverse facial artery 2 cm inferior to the zygoma; the resultant artery

    connects with the facial artery. As it continues superiorly, the superficial temporal

    artery also becomes more superficial and is palpable posterior to the temporal

    mandibular joint and anterior to the ear. The superficial temporal artery terminates

    in the parietal and frontal branches, which deliver blood to the scalp. Along its

    course, the superficial temporal artery provides blood to the lateral part of the face,

    the temple, the forehead, and the scalp. It also serves as the origin for smaller

    middle temporal and zygomatico-orbital arteries that supply some midfacial

    structures.

    The internal maxillary is a deep artery that forms where the superficial temporal

    artery arises from the external carotid artery. Because of its deep location, the

    cutaneous surgeon rarely encounters the internal maxillary artery. Important

    branches of this artery include the infraorbital artery and the inferior alveolarartery, which continues through the mental foramen as the mental artery to provide

    blood to the chin.

    The internal carotid artery supplies arterial blood to the eyelids, the upper and

    dorsal parts of the nose, the lower part of the forehead, and the scalp. The

    important major branch of the internal carotid artery is the ophthalmic artery. The

  • 8/8/2019 Skin Tension Lines

    16/22

    ophthalmic artery has supraorbital, supratrochlear, infratrochlear, dorsal nasal, and

    external nasal branches that may form anastomoses with the external carotid

    system through the angular artery.

    The venous network of the face parallels the arterial system. Unlike the arteries,

    the veins tend to be straighter and less tortuous. The facial vein parallels the facial

    artery and drains blood from the middle of the face into the internal jugular vein.

    The venous system of the medial aspect of the face (the dangerous triangle)

    involves the drainage of the upper lip and paranasal areas. In this area, the facial

    vein directly connects with the cavernous sinus, via the ophthalmic vein or

    indirectly connects with it, via the pterygoid plexus. The lateral part of the face and

    the scalp drain into the superficial temporal and retromandibular veins, which lead

    into the external jugular vein.

  • 8/8/2019 Skin Tension Lines

    17/22

    Lymphatics

    The cutaneous surgeon often removes malignancies that can cause lymph node

    metastases. Knowledge of lymph flow is essential for an adequate clinical

    examination of the lymph nodes. Lymph flows from superficial areas to deep areasand then flows along 4 major tracts in an inferolateral direction to the collecting

    nodes in the neck and jaw. Great individual variability exists in the lymph flow;

    however, a general framework exists.

    All the lymphatic fluid from the face eventually collects in a triangle of lymph

    nodes in the neck. The transverse cervical chain forms the inferior horizontal leg of

    the triangle, the spinal accessory chain forms the lateral leg, and the internal

    jugular chain forms the medial leg. The superior point of the triangle includes the

    superficial cervical and parotid nodes. The legs of the triangle are known as the

    deep lateral cervical nodes.

    At the junction of the internal jugular and transverse cervical chains, the

    lymphatics enter the venous circulation at the jugulosubclavian junction. The

    spinal accessory chain travels along the spinal accessory nerve, making its removal

    more treacherous. This chain may be involved with early metastases from

    malignancies in the nasopharyngeal and thyroid areas. The transverse cervical

    chain is found along the transverse cervical vessels above the clavicle. The internal

    jugular chain is the major collection point for the head and neck, and it is divided

    into anterior and lateral divisions. By turning the patient's chin ipsilaterally and by

    rolling the relaxed sternocleidomastoid muscles between his or her fingers, the

    physician can clinically examine this group.

    The postauricular node can be single or multiple, and it is located in the mastoid

    area attached to the insertion of the sternocleidomastoid muscle. Drainage from the

    ear can course anteriorly to the parotid nodes or inferiorly to the spinal accessory

    and internal jugular chains. Superficial and deep occipital nodes drain the posterior

    aspect of the scalp and the nuchal area. These nodes subsequently flow into the

    spinal accessory chain.

    The parotid nodes have extraglandular and intraglandular components. The

    extraglandular nodes include the preauricular and infra-auricular subnodes and are

    located in the parotid fascia. These nodes function as a unit with the intraglandular

    nodes, which are deep in the gland. The parotid nodes drain into the submandibular

    chain or transverse cervical chain.

  • 8/8/2019 Skin Tension Lines

    18/22

    The facial nodes drain the mid face and are extremely variable between

    individuals. From superior to inferior, they are the infraorbital, malar, buccinator,

    and mandibular nodes. When present, these nodes are found in the subcutaneous

    layer above the muscles of the face. The facial nodes drain into the submandibular

    and submental chains.

    The submandibular nodes are divided into 5 groups on the basis of their

    relationship to the facial vein and the submandibular gland. The preglandular

    nodes are below the platysma and anterior to the gland. The prevascular node is in

    the precarious position on the facial artery and touches the marginal mandibular

    nerve.

    The postvascular nodes are also adjacent to the motor nerve. The existence of a

    retroglandular group is disputed. The submandibular gland surrounds a large group

    of intracapsular nodes. Many individuals have palpable nodes in the submandibulartriangle. For clinical examination, the submandibular nodes can be palpated when

    the patient relaxes his or her neck muscles and moves his or her chin downward.

    The submental nodes are above the mylohyoid and deep to the platysma in the

    submental triangle. The nodes drain the middle two thirds of the lower lip, the

    medial aspect of the cheek, and some facial nodes, and they can drain into the

    ipsilateral and contralateral nodes in the neck. Examination of the submental nodes

    is best accomplished by bimanually palpating the floor of the mouth and by

    pushing up under the patient's chin.

    The superficial lateral cervical nodes receive drainage from the parotid,

    submandibular, and postauricular nodes. These cervical nodes are located on the

    superior external jugular vein, and some believe that they are part of the parotid

    infra-auricular nodes. The superficial lateral cervical nodes drain into the internal

    jugular chain.

  • 8/8/2019 Skin Tension Lines

    19/22

    Cutaneous Anatomy of the Neck

    Muscles of the neck

    The key cutaneous muscles of the neck are the platysma and sternocleidomastoid

    muscles. The platysma is covered by the SMAS, which is continuous with the

    lower muscles of the face, and it is also considered a muscle of facial expression.

    The platysma is an extremely thin muscle that is superficial in the neck. The

    sternocleidomastoid muscle extends from the medial clavicle to the postauricular

    area and divides the neck into posterior and anterior triangles.

    Key components of the anterior triangle include the internal and external carotid

    arteries, the internal jugular vein, and the vagus and hypoglossal nerves. The

    important structure to consider to the posterior triangle is the spinal accessory

    nerve (CN XI), which innervates the sternocleidomastoid and trapezius muscles.Transection of the spinal accessory nerve results in a winged scapula and difficulty

    with arm abduction. The superficial cervical plexus is also found in the posterior

    triangle. The superficial cervical plexus has sensory, motor, and sympathetic

    functions.

    A crucial anatomic landmark in the posterior triangle is the Erb point. The spinal

    accessory, great auricular, lesser occipital, and transverse cervical nerves all pass

    within 2 cm above or below this location. The Erb point can be located by drawing

    a line between the angle of the mandible and the mastoid process with the patient's

    head slightly turned. The Erb point lies at the junction of the posterior border of thesternocleidomastoid muscle and the point 6 cm inferior to the midpoint of the line

    drawn.

  • 8/8/2019 Skin Tension Lines

    20/22

    Course of the temporal nerve and location of the Erb point. Illustrated by Charles Norman.

    Blood vessels of the neck

    The key blood vessels of the neck include the common and external carotid arteries

    and the jugular veins. The common carotid, internal jugular, and vagus nerves are

    found in the carotid sheath under the sternocleidomastoid and infrahyoid muscles

    before the carotid arteries bifurcate into their external and internal branches.

    The external jugular vein forms below the parotid gland and travels inferiorly

    along the surface of the sternocleidomastoid muscle. The external jugular vein

    empties into the subclavian or internal jugular veins after it pierces through the

    superficial portion of the deep cervical fascia in the posterior triangle.

    Skin tension lines

    STLs typically lie in a transverse direction on the neck. The placement of excision

    lines in this orientation is essential because hypertrophic or reddened scars often

    result from misplaced excisions on the neck.

  • 8/8/2019 Skin Tension Lines

    21/22

    Anatomic Surgical Pearls

    Free margins are located on the eyelids, helices of the ears, lips, and alar rim and

    columella. Unopposed tension caused by a surgical repair may distort these

    structures. Wound closure in these locations often require flap and/or graftplacement to lessen the risk.

    When designing flaps, borrow tissue from the same or adjacent cosmetic units to

    minimize anatomic distortion and maximize tissue match.

    A reservoir of skin for flaps or primary closure can be found on the lower and

    posterior part of the cheek near the angle of the mandible. In older persons, this

    area is the jowl. Other areas with redundant skin include the preauricular aspect of

    the cheek, the temple, and the neck.

    Subunits of the anterior region. Illustrated by Charles Norman.

    Place the suture lines along STLs and on the boundaries of the cosmetic units

    whenever possible.

    Preoperatively identify the vital structures that might be damaged in the operative

    field, and stay vigilant to avoid them. Examples of vital structures include the

    temporal nerve in the upper part of the cheek and temple, the marginal mandibular

    nerve on the jaw line, and CN XI at the Erb point.

  • 8/8/2019 Skin Tension Lines

    22/22

    Identify sensory innervation to structures in the operative field, and perform a

    nerve block wherever possible to minimize the patient's discomfort and distortion

    of the operative field by using large amounts of lidocaine. Examples of sensory

    innervations include the mental nerve on the chin and the supraorbital and

    supratrochlear nerves in large lesions on the forehead.

    When working in deeper planes, attempt to identify the SMAS, which can help in

    locating and avoiding vital vessels and nerves.