Superior labial artery: course and care in the lip
- Artery
Quick facts
- Origin
- Branch of the facial artery, usually near the corner of the mouth.
- Course
- Crosses the upper lip in a winding path, usually between the orbicularis oris muscle and the mucosa, and joins the one from the opposite side.
- Branches
- Septal branch (to the septum and columella) and alar branches, besides those that supply the lip.
- Relevance in facial harmonization
- Main artery of the upper lip; occlusion can cause necrosis of the lip and, through the nasal branches, of the base of the nose.
- In Harmy
- Lies under the Lips point in the marking.
The superior labial artery is the branch of the facial artery that supplies the upper lip. It usually arises near the corner of the mouth, crosses the lip in a winding path and joins (anastomoses with) the artery of the opposite side at the midline, forming a continuous arterial arch. It is the main source of blood for the upper lip and sends branches to the base of the nose.
What is the course of the superior labial artery?
After leaving the facial artery, it heads to the center of the lip within the orbicularis oris muscle or just behind it. For most of its course, the artery runs closer to the mucosal surface (the inside of the lip) than to the skin, roughly following the height of the transition between the dry and wet vermilion. This is an anatomical review pattern, not a protocol: depth and height vary between people and even between the sides of the same patient.
Near the midline, it gives off ascending branches:
- Septal branch, which rises to the nasal septum and columella.
- Alar branches, to the nasal ala.
- Branches to the region of the philtrum.
This link to the nose explains why an occlusion in the upper lip can also compromise the columella and the base of the nostril.
Which anatomical variations matter?
The superior labial artery is one of the most variable in the face:
| Variation | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Absent or thin on one side | The opposite side comes to supply much of the lip |
| More superficial course in stretches | Sits closer to the skin along part of its path |
| Origin in a common trunk with the inferior labial | Changes the exit point near the corner of the mouth |
| Large ascending branches in the philtrum | Expand the area at risk near the columella |
For this reason no "depth rule" is safe for every patient. Technique, plane and the choice between cannula and needle are the decision of the licensed professional, in line with the rules of their professional council.
Why does it matter in lip filler?
Lip filler is one of the most performed procedures in facial harmonization, and the superior labial artery lies within the treated area. Vascular occlusion can occur through injection into the vessel or through external compression caused by excess volume.
Local anesthetic can mask pain, so visually watching the lip and the base of the nose during and after the injection is part of safety. See the overview of safety and complications and the guidance on hyaluronidase in the office.
How does it show up in the assessment?
The artery is not reliably visible or palpable in every patient. During the assessment, it is worth recording previous lip procedures (residual product and fibrosis change tissue resistance), scars, recurrent cold sores and the use of medications that increase bleeding.
Also called: superior labial artery, superior labial branch of the facial artery.
Frequently asked questions
Can the superior labial artery be injured during lip filler?
Yes. Injection into the vessel or compression of it can cause vascular occlusion, with a risk of necrosis. It is a rare complication, but it is the reason hyaluronidase is a mandatory item for anyone injecting hyaluronic acid in the lip.
What are the signs of lip necrosis after filler?
Immediate pallor or blanching, disproportionate pain, lacy-looking skin (livedo) and, later, purplish or dark coloring. Any of these signs calls for immediate care from the professional who performed the injection.