Soft tissue injuries

The face is comprised of multiple soft tissue layers, reapproximation of which must be considered in planning of repair: Innervation of the face is provided by cranial nerves V (sensory) and VII (motor). Most motor branches of cranial nerve VII are deep to the muscle, but in the periorbital, perioral and cheek regions, these nerves are superficial. The blood supply of the face is myriad and rich, which aids greatly in prevention of devitalization even in the setting of extensive injury. However, haematoma formation is a common occurrence which may complicate repair and should be considered.

Duke Scholars

Author Suhail Kamrudin Mithani Surgery, Plastic, Maxillofacial, and Oral Surgery