Nasojugal groove: what it is and how it differs from dark circles
- Highlighted area
Quick facts
- Definition
- A depression running from the inner corner of the eye toward the face, separating the lower eyelid from the cheek.
- Popular name
- Part of what is called a hollow under-eye or tear trough.
- Difference
- The nasojugal groove is the medial part; the palpebromalar groove continues outward.
- Related structure
- Orbicularis retaining ligament and the infraorbital fat compartment.
- Risk of the area
- High: close to the angular artery and the circulation of the eye.
The nasojugal groove is the depression that starts near the inner corner of the eye and runs down toward the face, at the boundary between the lower eyelid and the cheek. It is usually the most marked part of what patients call a "hollow under-eye" and, in anatomical vocabulary, it is the medial portion of a line that continues outward as the palpebromalar groove.
What is the difference between nasojugal and palpebromalar?
| Term | Where it is | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Nasojugal groove | From the inner corner of the eye downward, next to the nose | Also linked to the tear trough |
| Palpebromalar groove | Continues outward, under the eyelid | Boundary between eyelid and cheekbone |
| Midcheek groove | Lower on the cheek, in the midface | Tends to appear with volume loss |
In practice, the three form a sequence of grooves that age, fat and ligaments gradually draw. Understanding which one is at play guides the conversation with the patient and avoids treating all of them as "dark circles".
Why does the groove appear?
The depression results from a combination of factors: the orbicularis retaining ligament, which tethers the skin to the bone; the fat of the infraorbital compartment, which descends or thins; and the thickness and color of the thin skin of the lower eyelid. The shadow cast by the groove, incidentally, can accentuate the look of dark circles even without pigment.
Why does the area need caution?
The nasojugal groove lies in the territory of the angular artery and its connections with the circulation of the eye. Any filler approach in this area is considered high vascular risk. Hyaluronic acid with hyaluronidase on hand, careful choice of product and technique, conservative volumes and an action plan for signs of vascular occlusion, including visual change, are part of the preparation. The tear trough is the term most used for the same region from a procedural standpoint.
In Harmy
The Tear Trough point of the app's marking corresponds to this region. Harmy's projection is illustrative and can help in discussing the shadow under the eye, but it does not predict the result of any procedure or replace an in-person assessment.
Also called: tear trough groove, nasojugal depression.
Frequently asked questions
Are the nasojugal groove and dark circles the same thing?
No. Dark circles is a popular term for the darkened or hollow area under the eye, and it can be caused by pigmentation, vessels or volume. The nasojugal groove is a specific anatomical depression, the medial part of that area.