Facial artery: course and why it matters in HOF

The facial artery is a branch of the external carotid artery and one of the main sources of blood supply to the face. It crosses the edge of the mandible in front of the masseter muscle and rises toward the corner of the mouth and the side of the nose, on a tortuous course. Along the way, it gives off the superior and inferior labial arteries, which supply the lips, and branches to the nasal ala. In its final portion, it is called the angular artery.

Why does it matter for safety?

The course of the facial artery runs through some of the most requested regions in facial harmonization: jawline, mouth corners, lips and nasolabial fold. An intravascular injection or compression of the vessel by product can lead to vascular occlusion, with a risk of distress and even necrosis of the skin it supplies.

A central point is variability. The depth, the distance from the fold and even the presence of each branch change from person to person and between the two sides of the same face. For this reason, there is no guaranteed "safe" point: safety comes from anatomical knowledge, from the technique chosen by the professional, from watching the patient during and after the injection, and from a complication protocol that is ready.

What should be ready?

Anyone injecting hyaluronic acid in these regions should have hyaluronidase available and know how to recognize the early signs of vascular compromise, such as pallor, disproportionate pain and change in skin color. The course of action is defined by the licensed professional, in line with the rules of their professional council.

In Harmy

The Nasolabial Fold, Mouth Corner and Lips points in the marking sit over the territory of the facial artery. The projection helps plan conservative volumes and talk to the patient about risks before injecting.

Also called: external maxillary artery (old name).