Anatomical Map of the Facial Artery for Facial Reconstruction and Aesthetic Procedures.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: The facial artery (FA) is the main blood vessel supplying the anterior face and an understanding of its anatomy is crucial in facial reconstruction and aesthetic procedures. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to assess the many anatomical features of the FA utilizing a multidimensional approach. METHODS: Head and neck computed tomographic angiographies of 131 patients (255 FAs) with good image quality were evaluated. The FA was classified according to its termination pattern, course, and location with reference to soft tissue/bone surrounding structures. RESULTS: In total, each branch was present as follows the submental artery (44.8%), the inferior labial artery (60%), the superior labial artery (82.2%), the lateral nasal artery (25.1%), and the angular artery (42.5%). The most common FA course was the classic course, situated medially to the nasolabial fold (27.1%). In total 65.5% of the arteries were located medially to the nasolabial fold, and only 12.3% of them were totally situated lateral to the nasolabial fold. The median distance (with quartiles) from the inferior orbital rim reached the FA after the superior labial artery branched off in 50.2% of cases and was 36.6 mm (33.4; 43.3). The angle between the FA and the inferior border of the mandible was 49.8o (31.9; 72.4). The horizontal distances between the oral commissure and naris to the FA were 8.5 ± 4.0 mm and 12.1 ± 6.7 mm, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: An anatomical map summarizing the major measurements and geometry of the FA was generated. The detailed anatomy and relative positioning of the FA should be considered to avoid any unexpected complications in plastic surgery.