Zygomatic arch: anatomy and lateral contour of the face
- Highlighted area
Quick facts
- Location
- Lateral face, from the cheekbone to in front of the ear, above the jaw joint.
- Formed by
- Temporal process of the zygomatic bone and zygomatic process of the temporal bone, joined by the zygomaticotemporal suture.
- Structures of concern
- Temporal (frontal) branch of the facial nerve, superficial temporal artery and vein, transverse facial artery.
- Relevance in facial harmonization
- Defines the bizygomatic width and the lateral shape of the midface; basis of zygomatic filler.
- In Harmy
- Has no point of its own; enters the plan through the Cheekbone point.
The zygomatic arch is the horizontal bony bridge on the side of the face, running from the cheekbone to just in front of the ear. It is formed by two bones: the temporal process of the zygomatic bone, at the front, and the zygomatic process of the temporal bone, at the back, joined by the zygomaticotemporal suture. It is the arch that gives the maximum width of the midface and the lateral shape of the face in frontal and three-quarter views.
Where is it and what are its boundaries?
In a lateral view, the arch sits at the level of the tragus, slightly below the outer corner of the eye, and rests at the back on the root that forms the roof of the temporomandibular joint. The practical boundaries of the region are:
| Boundary | Structure |
|---|---|
| Anterior | Body of the zygomatic bone and malar eminence |
| Posterior | Root of the arch, in front of the tragus and the temporomandibular joint |
| Superior | Temporal fossa (temple region), where the temporal fascia attaches |
| Inferior | Cheek, with the masseter originating on the lower edge of the arch |
The temporalis muscle passes beneath the arch, on its way to the coronoid process of the mandible. The masseter muscle originates on the lower edge, and the zygomatic muscles, which take part in the smile, originate on the front surface of the zygomatic body.
Why does the zygomatic arch matter in facial harmonization?
The arch is the lateral frame of the midface. Small changes to it noticeably alter how the face reads: a more defined arch suggests structure and contour, while a barely visible arch, or a hollow just below it, makes the side of the face look "flatter." That is why it appears in the planning of zygomatic filler, almost always together with the cheekbone and the temples.
The reasoning is about proportion. The bizygomatic width is compared with the bigonial width (jaw) and with the height of the face. In faces that are already wide in the midface, emphasizing the arch can unbalance the whole. In faces with volume loss in the temples, the concavity above the arch makes the bone look more prominent than it is, and treating only the arch does not resolve the concern.
How does the arch show up in the assessment?
- Frontal view: compare the width of the midface with that of the lower third.
- Three-quarter view: the view in which the lateral contour is most evident, and where the projection of the arch is judged.
- Lateral light: reveals the submalar hollow below the arch and the transition to the temporal fossa.
- Palpation: helps feel the bony edge and the thickness of the tissues covering it.
Technique, product, plane and the choice between cannula and needle are the decision of the licensed professional, in line with the rules of their professional council.
Also called: zygoma arch, zygomatic arcade.
Frequently asked questions
What is the zygomatic arch?
It is the bony bridge on the side of the face formed by the zygomatic bone and the temporal bone. It runs from the cheekbone to in front of the ear and defines the width of the midface.
Does filler in the zygomatic arch make the face wider?
It can, if the volume or position is not suited to the shape of the face. That is why the bizygomatic width and the proportion with the jaw are assessed before the indication.
Which nerve crosses the zygomatic arch?
The temporal (frontal) branch of the facial nerve crosses the surface of the arch on its way to the forehead. Injury to it can affect eyebrow elevation on the same side.