Excision of Subcutaneous Facial Cysts and Lipomas Using Cosmetic Approaches

Cillo, Joseph E.; Caloss, Ron; Wendelken, James Andrew

doi:10.1016/j.joms.2005.11.093

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Volume 64, Issue 11 , Pages 1603-1616, November 2006

Excision of Subcutaneous Facial Cysts and Lipomas Using Cosmetic Approaches

Joseph E. Cillo Jr, DMD
- Formerly, Chief Resident, Department of Surgery, Division of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Parkland Memorial Hospital, Dallas, TX; Currently, Attending Surgeon, Department of Surgery, Division of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Allegheny General Hospital, Pittsburgh, PA.
- Address correspondence and reprint requests to Dr Cillo: Department of Surgery, Division of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Allegheny General Hospital, 320 East North Avenue, Suite 0107, Pittsburgh, PA 15212
Ron Caloss, DDS, MD
- Assistant Professor, Department of Surgery, Division of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Parkland Memorial Hospital, Dallas, TX.
James Andrew Wendelken, DDS
- Formerly, Intern, Department of Surgery, Division of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Parkland Memorial Hospital, Dallas, TX; Currently, Resident, Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, University of Oklahoma, Oklahoma City, OK.

Purpose

The excisional biopsy of subcutaneoous facial cysts and lipomas can be problematic due to the high esthetic nature of the affected area. Remote scar placement has advantages in allowing access to subcutaneous pathology while placing incision lines in cosmetic locations. This article will review excisional biopsies of subcutaneous facial cysts and lipomas using cosmetic approaches.

Patients and Methods

Patients with superficial facial cysts or lipomas undergoing excisional biopsies utilizing contemporary cosmetic surgery approaches (rhytidectomy, lower blepharoplasty, and submental) with tumescent anesthesia and either intravenous sedation or general anesthesia.

Results

All patients had successful removal of superficial facial pathology with good cosmetic results.

Conclusion

The use of contemporary cosmetic surgical approaches for the excisional biopsy of superficial facial cysts and lipomas provides adequate surgical access, a cosmetically acceptable result, and is well-tolerated by patients.