Practice Test Geeks(ABCS) American Board of Cosmetic Surgery Certification Practice Test
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Facial Cosmetic Surgery Flashcards

7 cards from real ABCS practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.

Read the first 7 Facial Cosmetic Surgery flashcards as text

  1. Which nerve is most at risk during a standard rhytidectomy when dissecting in the preauricular region?

    Answer: Greater auricular nerve

    The greater auricular nerve is the most commonly injured nerve in rhytidectomy, causing earlobe and lower ear numbness.

  2. What is the primary goal of the SMAS plication technique in facelift surgery?

    Answer: Reposition the superficial musculoaponeurotic system without incising it

    SMAS plication folds and sutures the SMAS to itself, elevating it without making an incision through it.

  3. In upper blepharoplasty, which anatomic layer must be preserved to prevent lagophthalmos?

    Answer: Orbicularis oculi muscle

    Excessive removal of orbicularis oculi muscle impairs eyelid closure, leading to lagophthalmos and corneal exposure.

  4. A patient develops an asymmetric smile with inability to show the lower teeth on one side following a facelift. Which structure was likely injured?

    Answer: Marginal mandibular branch of the facial nerve

    The marginal mandibular branch innervates the depressor anguli oris and depressor labii inferioris, and its injury causes inability to depress the lower lip.

  5. Which grafting material is considered the gold standard for dorsal augmentation rhinoplasty to minimize resorption and infection risk?

    Answer: Autologous rib cartilage

    Autologous rib cartilage provides durable augmentation with the lowest rates of infection and extrusion compared to alloplastic materials.

  6. Which anatomic landmark defines the ideal position of the lateral canthus relative to the medial canthus in aesthetic facial analysis?

    Answer: 1–2 mm superior to the medial canthus

    In an aesthetically pleasing eye, the lateral canthus sits approximately 1–2 mm higher than the medial canthus, creating a slight upward tilt.

  7. In genioplasty, which muscle attachment is critical to preserve bilaterally to prevent postoperative chin ptosis?

    Answer: Mentalis muscle

    Bilateral detachment of the mentalis muscle without proper re-approximation leads to chin ptosis and a 'witch's chin' deformity.