Preauricular Approach The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) and its components frequently require exposure for a myriad of procedures. Internal derangements of the TMJ, arthritis, trauma, developmental disorders, and neoplasia may all…

External (Open) Approach A myriad of surgical approaches have been described to expose the nasal skeleton. Two common basic surgical approaches are described here, each with its own set of…

Endonasal Approach Several endonasal approaches and incisions to expose the nasal skeleton have been described. The technique for modification of the alar cartilages is the major variable in the different…

Retromandibular Approach The retromandibular approach exposes the entire ramus from behind the posterior border. It therefore may be useful for procedures involving the area on or near the condylar neck/head,…

Approaches to the Maxilla The midfacial and mandibular skeleton can be readily exposed through incisions placed inside the oral cavity. The approaches are rapid and safe and the exposure is…

Rhytidectomy Approach The rhytidectomy or facelift approach to the mandibular ramus is a variant of the retromandibular approach. The only difference is that the cutaneous incision is placed in a…

Submandibular Approach The mandible can be exposed by surgical approaches using incisions placed on the skin of the face. The position of the incisions and anatomy vary depending on the…

Mandibular Vestibular Approach The mandibular vestibular approach is useful in a wide variety of procedures. It allows relatively safe access to the entire facial surface of the mandibular skeleton, from…

Coronal Approach The coronal or bitemporal incision is a versatile surgical approach to the upper and middle regions of the facial skeleton, including the zygomatic arch. It provides excellent access…

Transcutaneous Approaches Through the Lower Eyelid A standard series of incisions have been used extensively to approach the inferior, lateral, and medial orbital rims. Properly placed incisions offer excellent access…

Transconjunctival Approaches Transconjunctival approaches expose the floor of the orbit and infraorbital rim. More recently, these approaches have been extended medially to expose the medial wall of the orbit. The…

Upper Eyelid Approach The most direct and cosmetically appealing approach to the superolateral orbital rim is the upper eyelid approach, also called upper blepharoplasty, upper eyelid crease, and supratarsal fold…

Supraorbital Eyebrow Approach SURGICAL ANATOMY The “in the eyebrow” incision offers simple and rapid camouflaged access to the lateral supraorbital rim, the frontozygomatic suture line, and occasionally the region slightly…

Basic Principles for Approaches to the Facial Skeleton Maximum success in skeletal surgery depends on adequate access to and exposure of the skeleton. Skeletal surgery is simplified and expedited when…