Facial nerve danger zone in dermatologic surgery: temporal branch.

BACKGROUND

The principal function of cranial nerve 7 (CN VII), the facial nerve, is to provide motor innervation to the muscles of facial expression. The temporal branch of the facial nerve primarily innervates the frontalis muscle, which raises the eyebrow.

OBJECTIVE

To present a case that illustrates the importance of facial nerve anatomy to skin surgery practice.

CONCLUSION

The relevant surgical anatomy of the temporal branch is reviewed, as well as clinical practice points around nerve damage in skin surgery.