Zygomatic ligament: the anchor point of the cheek
- Nerve
- Highlighted area
Quick facts
- Type
- True retaining ligament (osteocutaneous): runs from bone to skin.
- Location
- Lower border of the zygomatic bone, near the junction of the body with the arch, extending forward along the body of the bone.
- Classic name
- McGregor patch, the main bundle, in the region of the junction between the zygomatic body and arch.
- Neighbors
- Zygomatic branches of the facial nerve and the transverse facial artery pass nearby.
- Relevance in orofacial harmonization (HOF)
- Fixed point of the midface; the descent of tissues around it marks cheek grooves and bags.
- In Harmy
- The area sits at the Cheekbone point of the marking.
The zygomatic ligament is a retaining ligament that anchors the cheek skin directly to the zygomatic bone. It arises from the lower border of the bone, near the junction of the body with the zygomatic arch, and its fibers cross the fat to reach the dermis. It is one of the main fixed points of the midface, and knowing where it sits helps explain the shape of the cheek apple and the grooves that appear with aging.
Where is it and how is it formed?
In surgical anatomy, the main bundle of the ligament was named the McGregor patch: an area of firm fibers on the lower border of the zygomatic bone, near where the body of the bone meets the arch. From there, retaining fibers run forward along the body of the bone, toward the rim of the orbit. Some authors call this set the zygomatic-cutaneous ligament and describe it as the lower boundary of the prezygomatic space.
| Structure | Relationship with the zygomatic ligament |
|---|---|
| Orbicularis retaining ligament | Lies above, along the rim of the orbit; the two bound the prezygomatic space |
| SOOF and malar fat | Lie over and around the ligament, which crosses the fat to reach the skin |
| SMAS | The ligament passes through it and anchors it to bone |
| Zygomatic muscles | Arise from the zygomatic bone, just below and in front of the ligament |
| Facial nerve branches and vessels | Pass nearby, below the ligament |
Nomenclature varies between authors, and measurements vary between people. What remains constant is the idea of a strong fixed point on the lower border of the zygomatic bone.
Why does it matter in orofacial harmonization (HOF)?
Retaining ligaments divide the face into compartments. Over time, the tissues between them lose volume and descend, while the attachment points stay anchored. In the midface, this helps explain:
- The loss of cheek convexity and the flattening of the ogee curve.
- The midcheek groove, which runs diagonally down the cheek.
- Malar bags, an accumulation of swelling and tissue above the ligament, covered in malar bags.
- The weight that drifts down toward the nasolabial fold.
For this reason, many midface approaches start with support in the zygomatic area and the lateral part of the cheek apple, instead of filling the groove directly. Product, plan, and volume are decisions for the qualified professional, after assessment.
How does it show up in the assessment?
- Frontal and oblique views: show the height of the cheek apple, the transition to the eyelid, and the presence of diagonal grooves.
- Smile: lifting of the tissues above the ligament can accentuate malar bags.
- Palpation: along the lower border of the zygomatic bone, you can feel where the skin is most tightly held.
- Prior swelling: bags that vary through the day suggest a swelling component and call for caution with volume.
The procedure most closely tied to this topic is zygomatic filler.
Also called: McGregor patch, zygomatic-cutaneous ligament, zygomatic osteocutaneous ligament.
Frequently asked questions
What is the McGregor patch?
It is the classic name for the main bundle of the zygomatic ligament, an area of firm fibers that anchors the skin to bone near the junction of the zygomatic body and arch. It works as an attachment point of the cheek.
What is the zygomatic ligament for?
It anchors the skin and soft tissues of the cheek to the zygomatic bone and helps hold them in place. With aging, the surrounding tissues descend while the ligament stays anchored, which contributes to grooves and bags in the midface.