Surgical technique for optimal outcomes: Part I. Cutting tissue: incising, excising, and undermining

Sound surgical technique is necessary to achieve excellent surgical outcomes. Despite the fact that dermatologists perform more office-based cutaneous surgery than any other specialty, few dermatologists have opportunities for practical instruction to improve surgical technique after residency and fellowship. This 2-part continuing medical education article will address key principles of surgical technique at each step of cutaneous reconstruction. Part I reviews incising, excising, and undermining. Objective quality control questions are proposed to provide a framework for self-assessment and continuous quality improvement.