Preserving vascular options in temporal artery biopsy for future facial reconstruction.

Temporal Artery Biopsy: A Modified Approach for Facial Reconstruction

Rhea Morgan in Health & Wellness November 2025 • 4 min read.

"Preserving Options: How a Simple Adjustment to Temporal Artery Biopsy Can Benefit Future Facial Procedures"

Temporal artery biopsy is a common procedure, but the standard technique involves taking a sample from the main trunk of the superficial temporal artery (STA). While seemingly straightforward, this approach can compromise the artery's overall structure, potentially limiting options for future reconstructive surgeries.

The superficial temporal artery and its associated fascia are invaluable resources in maxillofacial surgery. The temporal fascia flap, nourished by the STA, is frequently used to repair defects resulting from trauma, cancer removal, or congenital conditions. This flap can cover significant areas, making it essential for complex reconstructions.

The conventional method of STA biopsy, which involves ligating the entire trunk before it divides into frontal and parietal branches, effectively eliminates the possibility of using the parietal branch for future flap procedures. This is where a modified approach can make a substantial difference.

Preserving the Parietal Branch: A Modified Biopsy Technique

Preserving vascular options in temporal artery biopsy for future facial reconstruction.

The goal of the modified technique is to preserve the trunk and parietal branch of the STA, ensuring that the option of using a temporal fascia flap remains viable for future reconstructive needs. This involves a slight alteration to the incision site and the specific branch targeted for biopsy.

Here’s a step-by-step overview of the modified technique:

Incision Placement: Make a 3 cm oblique incision in the hairline, approximately 1 cm above the root of the helix. This location is slightly higher and more forward compared to the standard approach.
Branch Identification: Identify the division between the frontal and parietal branches of the STA. This can be done using the same techniques employed in the standard biopsy.
Selective Ligation: Instead of ligating the entire trunk, isolate and ligate only the frontal branch. The parietal branch and the main trunk should be carefully preserved.
Biopsy Excision: Remove the selected segment of the frontal branch for pathological examination.
Closure: Close the incision in layers. Ensure meticulous closure to minimize the risk of alopecia and to achieve a cosmetically acceptable outcome.

It is important to avoid excessive dissection in the anterior portion of the hairline to prevent injury to the frontal branch of the facial nerve. This modified technique adds minimal complexity to the procedure but significantly increases future reconstructive options.

The Future of Facial Reconstruction: A Proactive Approach

By adopting this modified approach to temporal artery biopsy, surgeons can proactively safeguard future reconstructive possibilities. This subtle yet significant change empowers both the medical team and the patient by keeping options open and ensuring the best possible outcomes, should reconstructive surgery become necessary.

About this Article -

This article was crafted using a human-AI hybrid and collaborative approach. AI assisted our team with initial drafting, research insights, identifying key questions, and image generation. Our human editors guided topic selection, defined the angle, structured the content, ensured factual accuracy and relevance, refined the tone, and conducted thorough editing to deliver helpful, high-quality information.See our About page for more information.

This article is based on research published under:

DOI-LINK: 10.1016/j.jchirv.2018.06.003, Alternate LINK

Title: Commentaire Sur « Technique Opératoire : Biopsie De L’Artère Temporale »

Subject: Surgery

Journal: Journal de Chirurgie Viscérale

Publisher: Elsevier BV

Authors: R. Prevost, C. Batut

Published: 2018-09-01

Everything You Need To Know

What is a temporal artery biopsy and why is it performed?

A temporal artery biopsy is a common procedure that involves taking a sample from the superficial temporal artery (STA). The standard technique typically samples from the main trunk. However, this can compromise the artery's structure, which can limit options for future reconstructive surgeries involving the temporal fascia flap.

Why is the superficial temporal artery (STA) important in maxillofacial surgery?

The superficial temporal artery (STA) and its associated temporal fascia are invaluable resources in maxillofacial surgery. The temporal fascia flap, nourished by the STA, is frequently used to repair defects resulting from trauma, cancer removal, or congenital conditions. It is especially useful when the parietal branch is available to cover significant areas.

What is the key difference between the standard temporal artery biopsy and the modified technique described, and why is it important?

The key difference lies in preserving the parietal branch of the superficial temporal artery (STA). The standard technique often ligates the entire trunk, eliminating the use of the parietal branch for future temporal fascia flap procedures. The modified technique isolates and ligates only the frontal branch, preserving the trunk and parietal branch. This ensures the option of using a temporal fascia flap remains viable for future reconstructive needs.

How does the modified temporal artery biopsy technique preserve the parietal branch of the superficial temporal artery (STA), and what steps are involved?

The modified technique preserves the parietal branch of the superficial temporal artery (STA) through a few key steps. First, the incision is placed slightly higher and more forward compared to the standard approach. After identifying the division between the frontal and parietal branches, only the frontal branch is selectively ligated and excised for biopsy. The parietal branch and main trunk are carefully preserved. Meticulous closure minimizes risks. Avoiding excessive dissection anteriorly also prevents injury to the frontal branch of the facial nerve.

What are the potential long-term benefits of adopting the modified temporal artery biopsy technique for patients who may need future facial reconstruction?

Adopting the modified approach to temporal artery biopsy proactively safeguards future reconstructive possibilities. By preserving the trunk and parietal branch of the superficial temporal artery (STA), surgeons maintain the option of utilizing the temporal fascia flap for future reconstructive needs. This ensures the best possible outcomes should reconstructive surgery become necessary due to trauma, cancer removal, or congenital conditions. Keeping options open empowers both the medical team and the patient.