ABOHNS Plastic Surgery Within the Head and Neck study plan

Map the full facial aesthetic subunit anatomy and list the vascular territories of each subunit from memory

Explain the reconstructive ladder and justify when each rung is appropriate for a given facial defect

Compare local facial flaps (bilobed, nasolabial, paramedian forehead) by pedicle, arc of rotation, and donor-site morbidity

Summarize principles of scar revision, Z-plasty, and W-plasty geometry

Differentiate full-thickness skin grafts, composite grafts, and regional flaps for nasal and auricular defects

Describe pedicled regional flaps (deltopectoral, pectoralis major, submental) by blood supply and reach

Outline indications, contraindications, and monitoring for microvascular free tissue transfer in the head and neck

List common free flaps (radial forearm, anterolateral thigh, fibula, scapular) with their typical recipient sites

Plan reconstruction of composite mandibular defects including bone and soft tissue requirements

Compare reconstructive options for maxillectomy defects by obturator versus surgical reconstruction

Describe pharyngoesophageal reconstruction options and their tradeoffs

Explain timing of reconstruction relative to adjuvant radiation and its effect on wound healing

Stage head and neck cancers by site using current TNM principles for oral cavity, larynx, and oropharynx

Outline margins, neck dissection levels, and indications for elective versus therapeutic neck dissection

Summarize indications and sequencing of adjuvant radiation and chemoradiation

Describe ablative planning considerations that drive reconstructive choice

Classify facial fractures by pattern and identify the forces and anatomy that define each

Sequence the evaluation of the polytrauma patient with facial injury including airway and cervical spine priorities

Compare open reduction and internal fixation approaches by fracture site and exposure

List perioperative safety practices and common complications with prevention strategies

Differentiate benign and malignant cutaneous lesions of the head and neck by clinical features and biopsy strategy

Outline margin and reconstruction principles for basal cell, squamous cell, and melanoma excision by site

Describe facial aging in anatomic layers and match each layer to a treatment modality

Compare rhytidectomy, browlift, and blepharoplasty approaches by indication and risk profile

Classify cleft lip and palate by anatomy and outline the staged reconstruction timeline

Describe craniosynostosis patterns and the timing rationale for surgical correction

Outline skull base approaches and the reconstructive options for dural and skull base defects

Explain multidisciplinary team roles in craniofacial care

Re-test weak areas identified in the error log across all domains

Complete two timed full-length mixed-domain practice exams and review every missed item

Consolidate high-yield reconstructive and oncologic decision rules into a single reference sheet

Rehearse verbal justification of flap and treatment choices for case-based questions