Infraorbital canal: the path of the nerve under the eye
Quick facts
- Definition
- A bony tunnel in the floor of the orbit that carries the infraorbital nerve and vessels to the face.
- Location
- Starts at the infraorbital groove in the orbital floor and ends at the infraorbital foramen, in the maxilla.
- Contents
- Infraorbital nerve (branch of the maxillary nerve, V2), infraorbital artery and vein.
- Relevance in facial harmonization
- A safety landmark for tear trough, cheekbone and injections near the orbital rim.
The infraorbital canal is a small bony tunnel that runs through the floor of the orbit, inside the maxilla. It starts as a groove in the floor of the orbital cavity, becomes a closed canal and ends in an opening on the face, the infraorbital foramen. The infraorbital nerve, which supplies sensation to the cheek, the side of the nose and the upper lip, travels along this path, together with the vessels that accompany it, such as the infraorbital artery.
Where does it show up when examining the face?
The exit of the canal, the infraorbital foramen, usually lies about 1 cm below the orbital rim, in line with the pupil when the patient looks straight ahead. It is a palpable reference in many patients and is often used as a safety landmark. The exact position varies from person to person and between the two sides of the same face.
Why does it matter in facial harmonization?
The tear trough and the transition to the cheekbone sit very close to this bundle. Product injected over the foramen, or very near it, can compress the nerve and cause tingling or numbness in the infraorbital territory. When the vessel is hit, there is a risk of vascular occlusion with consequences for the skin of the face and, through vascular connections, even for structures of the eye.
What can the patient feel when something changes?
Numbness, tingling or a sensation of a "sleepy mouth" on one side after a procedure in the area deserve reassessment. In general the picture relates to swelling or compression, but the assessment is clinical and should not be delayed.
In Harmy
In Harmy, the Tear Trough point marks the lower eyelid area and the groove, and the Cheekbone point covers the cheek. The projection shows the intended look at a conservative volume, but it does not show nerves or vessels: the anatomy of the canal remains the responsibility of the professional's assessment. It is an illustrative simulation, not a promise of results.
Frequently asked questions
What passes through the infraorbital canal?
The infraorbital nerve and the infraorbital vessels pass through it. They exit onto the face through the infraorbital foramen, just below the rim of the orbit.
Why does the infraorbital canal matter in tear trough filler?
Because the foramen where it ends lies close to the treated area. Knowing this point helps the professional avoid compressing or injuring the nerve and vessel.