Surgical Anatomy of the Facial Nerve

Injury to the facial nerve is among the most undesirable outcomes following facial rejuvenation surgery. The anatomy of the facial nerve as it pertains to surgery of the midface is reviewed thoroughly. The superficial location of branches of the facial nerve in the midface and their intimate relationship with the retaining ligaments of the face indicate that, in specific regions of the face, surgical dissection should be performed meticulously and with extreme caution.