Soft tissue reconstruction of the forehead and temple

Soft tissue reconstruction of the forehead and temple challenges facial plastic surgeons to balance esthetic goals with functional concerns. Understanding the muscular and neurovascular anatomy is essential to achieve these ends. Reconstructive considerations include maintaining hairlines and eyebrows, minimizing scarring, using relaxed skin tension lines, and preserving motor and sensory function. Reconstructive options range from healing by secondary intention to primary closure, skin grafts, local flaps, island flaps, or any combination of these techniques.