Middle temporal vein: the vein inside the temple
- Vein
Quick facts
- Location
- Lower temple, usually a few centimeters above the zygomatic arch and almost parallel to it.
- Layer
- In the fat between the superficial and deep layers of the deep temporal fascia.
- Drainage
- Into the superficial temporal vein, in front of the ear, which continues to the retromandibular vein.
- Connections
- Receives veins from the lateral orbital region, such as the sentinel vein, and connects to other venous networks.
- Relevance in HOF
- Large-caliber vessel in the path of temple filler: bruising and risk of venous injection.
The middle temporal vein is a large-caliber vein that runs in the lower part of the temple, almost parallel to the zygomatic arch, inside the fat that lies between the superficial and deep layers of the deep temporal fascia. It drains into the superficial temporal vein, in front of the ear, and receives veins from the lateral orbital region, among them the sentinel vein. In orofacial harmonization (HOF), it is one of the vessels that make the intermediate plane of the temple an area of caution.
Where does the middle temporal vein run?
| Landmark | Relationship to the vein |
|---|---|
| Zygomatic arch | The vein runs above it, usually a few centimeters, almost in parallel |
| Deep temporal fascia | The vein lies between the two layers of this fascia, in the interfascial fat |
| Temporal fat pad | The vein crosses this fat from back to front |
| Middle temporal artery | Runs in the same intermediate region, with a different course |
| Lateral edge of the orbit | From the front, it receives veins such as the sentinel vein |
Height and caliber vary between people. In thin people or those with a hollow temple, venous branches may be visible through the skin, but the middle temporal vein itself lies deeper.
Why does it matter in HOF?
- Bruising: it is a large-caliber vessel in the path of procedures in the lower temple. Venous bleeding can result in a bruise (hematoma) or ecchymosis that travels down to the eyelid and cheek in the following days.
- Choice of plane: the temple has vessels at several levels. The interfascial fat, where the vein runs, is one of the planes discussed in the literature, and choosing the plane is an anatomical decision for the professional. See temporal fossa and temporal adhesion.
- Venous injection: there are reports in the literature of injection into a vein in the temple, with the product carried through the venous circulation. It is a rare but serious event, cited among the reasons to know the area well.
How does it show up in the assessment?
- Inspection with side lighting: shows the degree of temple hollowing and visible superficial vessels.
- Bleeding history: anticoagulants, antiplatelet drugs and supplements raise the chance of bruising. See anticoagulants and injectable procedures.
- Previous procedures: earlier filler in the temple changes the layers and the volume reference.
Also called: vena temporalis media, middle temporal vein of the face.
Frequently asked questions
Where is the middle temporal vein?
In the lower part of the temple, running almost parallel to the zygomatic arch, inside the fat that lies between the two layers of the deep temporal fascia. The exact height varies between people and between sides.
Is the middle temporal vein dangerous in filler treatments?
It is large and lies in a plane used in some temple techniques. The most common risk is bruising, but the literature also reports injection into a vein with the product carried away from the site. That is why knowledge of the layers is part of safety.