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Facial Flaps

Anatomy

Authors: Liv Schöllhammer, MD, Christian Kaare Paaskesen, MD, Frederik Gulmark Hansen, med.stud. and Magnus Balslev Avnstorp, MD

This page outlines the anatomical foundations necessary for performing facial flaps.
To understand the nerves and vascular supply of the face, visit our chapter on Excision of Facial Tumors. For region-specific anatomical details, consult the designated chapters on various flaps at the end of this section.

The dermal plexuses

The skin consists of six layers, each containing interconnected vascular plexuses that ensure blood distribution and exchange across tissues (Fig. 1). These plexuses are located in the following layers:

  1. Subepidermal
  2. Dermal
  3. Subdermal
  4. Subcutaneous
  5. Prefascial
  6. Subfascial

These plexuses work together to maintain a consistent blood supply, critical for tissue viability and healing.

Figure 1 | The six dermal plexuses of the skin

Acknowledgements

Illustrations: Christian Kaare Paaskesen, MD.



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