title: Surgical technique for optimal outcomes: Part I. Cutting tissue: incising, excising, and undermining.
abstract: 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.
authors: Department of Dermatology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
authors: Christopher J
authors: CJ
authors: Miller
authors: Private practice, Austin, Texas.
authors: Marcelo B
authors: MB
authors: Antunes
authors: Department of Dermatology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Electronic address: Joseph.Sobanko@uphs.upenn.edu.
authors: Joseph F
authors: JF
authors: Sobanko
mesh_terms: D062109:Dermatologic Surgical Procedures / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D017410:Practice Guidelines as Topic; D016896:Treatment Outcome
keywords: excise; excision; incise; skin; surgery; suture; technique; undermine