Palpebromalar groove: the lateral continuation of the tear trough
- Highlighted area
Quick facts
- Location
- Along the lateral half of the lower rim of the orbit, from the tear trough toward the outer corner of the eye.
- Anatomical basis
- Orbicularis retaining ligament, which attaches the orbicularis oculi muscle to the orbital rim.
- What it separates
- The thin skin of the lower eyelid from the thicker skin of the cheek.
- Relevance in HOF
- Part of the under-eye and tired-look concern; thin skin region prone to swelling.
- In Harmy
- The region lies in the Tear Trough point of the marking, near the Cheekbone point.
The palpebromalar groove is the depression that marks the junction between the lower eyelid and the cheek, along the lateral half of the lower rim of the orbit. It continues the tear trough toward the outer corner of the eye. With age, it becomes more visible and lower, lengthening the lower eyelid and contributing to the tired-look appearance.
Where is it and which structure forms it?
The anatomical basis of the groove is the orbicularis retaining ligament, a fibrous structure that attaches the orbicularis oculi muscle to the orbital rim. Above it is the eyelid, with thin skin and the fat pads behind the orbital septum. Below it is the cheek, with thicker skin and the SOOF, the fat under the orbicularis.
| Structure | Tear trough | Palpebromalar groove |
|---|---|---|
| Position | Medial, near the nose | Lateral, toward the outer corner |
| Ligament | Tear trough ligament, more adherent | Orbicularis retaining ligament, looser |
| Skin | Very thin, visible vessels | Thin, with a transition to the cheek |
| Continuation | May continue as the midcheek groove | Ends near the outer corner |
Why does it become more marked with age?
- Eyelid fat pads that project more above the ligament, deepening the shadow just below. See eyelid fat pads.
- Volume loss and descent of the cheek, which move the "step" away from the orbital rim.
- Remodeling of the bony rim of the orbit.
- Laxity of the skin and the ligament, which makes the transition less smooth.
Why does it matter in HOF?
The groove is part of the assessment of under-eye hollows and of the lower eyelid. Treating only the tear trough and ignoring the lateral part can leave an uneven transition. At the same time, this is a delicate region: thin skin shows irregularities, and superficial hyaluronic acid can cause the Tyndall effect. The tendency to swell is greater when there are bags, malar edema or festoons.
How does it show up in the assessment?
- Light from above and looking straight ahead: shows the shadow and the height of the groove.
- Looking up: the fat pads recede; looking down, they become more apparent.
- Morning swelling or malar bags: ask and record, because they change the indication.
- Eyelid snap-back test: assesses tone before any intervention.
The full assessment is in under-eye circles: types and assessment.
Also called: lid-cheek junction, eyelid-cheek junction, lateral palpebromalar groove.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between the tear trough and the palpebromalar groove?
The tear trough is the medial part of the depression below the eye, near the nose. The palpebromalar groove is the lateral continuation, along the orbital rim toward the outer corner. Together they form the junction between the eyelid and the cheek.
Can the palpebromalar groove be filled?
In selected cases, yes, but the area has thin skin and a tendency to swell, and pre-existing bags or malar edema can make it worse. The indication depends on the assessment by the qualified professional.