Essential clinical anatomy for cutaneous surgery: Part 1. Surgical planning and anaesthesia

This two-part article gives a broad overview of the anatomy relevant to cutaneous surgery and highlights its three main clinical applications: Use of surface anatomy during scar planning to optimise cosmetic results, using knowledge of the sensory nerve supply to achieve effective anaesthesia, and identifying any ‘at risk’ areas that are likely to fall within the operative field, thus reducing the risk of damage to vital structures such as the facial nerve (discussed in Part 2).