The youthful forehead: Placement of skin incisions in hidden furrows

BACKGROUND. Attaining good aesthetic results remains a primary goal in remo val of benign cutaneous facial lesions. OBJECTIVE. Strategic planning of the incision is perhaps the most critical step in excision of such a lesion. METHODS. A Study Of one case of epidermoid cyst excision from a youthful fo rehead was undertaken. RESULTS. Poor surgical planning of a simple cyst excision from the forehead resulted in placement of the incision inferior to a natural furrow and wit hin the basin defect, producing a noticeable scar. Facial animation accentu ates the aesthetically poor placement of the surgical incision. CONCLUSION. The detection of hidden furrows through facial animation during preoperative planning, especially in the youthful forehead, is imperative for achievement of an optimal aesthetic result. When possible, incisions sh ould be concealed within natural furrows.