Rare Arborization Pattern of the Facial Nerve

The arborization of the extratemporal facial nerve typically begins within the substance of the parotid gland and ultimately gives rise to the cervical, marginal mandibular, buccal, zygomatic, and frontal (or temporal) nerve branches. However, the number and branching pattern of these nerves is variable. Variations of development of the facial nerve are important to consider in surgery since they are vulnerable to trauma during rhytidectomy, parotidectomy, maxillofacial fracture reduction, and almost any surgery of the head and neck. We, therefore, present a case of an unusual branching pattern of the facial nerve with multiple terminal branches and several arcades along its course. The presence of multiple anastomoses is a potential protective factor in case of their damage during surgery.