Angular artery: what it is and why it calls for care

The angular artery is the terminal part of the facial artery. It runs up the side of the nose, near the groove between the nose and the cheek, toward the inner corner of the eye. There, it communicates (anastomoses) with branches of the ophthalmic artery, such as the dorsal nasal artery, which belongs to the internal carotid system.

The course, and even the presence of a well-defined angular artery, vary considerably: in some people it is large, in others it is thin or replaced by other branches.

Why does it call for care in facial harmonization?

It is precisely the communication with the eye's circulation that makes the region sensitive. If a filler enters a vessel in this network, it can be carried against the flow to branches that supply the retina. This mechanism, called retrograde embolization, is behind the cases of vision loss described after facial fillers. These events are rare, but serious.

For this reason, the nose, glabella, upper nasolabial fold and periorbital region, including the tear trough, are treated as high vascular risk zones. Safety depends on anatomical knowledge, careful choice of technique and product by the professional, conservative volumes and attention to any sign during the injection.

What should be ready?

Anyone injecting hyaluronic acid in these areas should have hyaluronidase available and a response protocol for vascular occlusion, including urgent referral when there is a visual symptom. The course of action is defined by the licensed professional, in line with the rules of their professional council.

In Harmy

The Glabella, Tear Trough and Nasolabial Fold points in the marking are close to the territory of the angular artery. The projection helps discuss with the patient whether the aesthetic benefit justifies the risk of the area.

Also called: angular branch of the facial artery.