Abstract
Background
A consensus on facial artery (FA) anatomy has not been established due to the discrepancies in previous studies.
Objectives
The purpose of this study was to assess the branches, course, and location of the FA in Asians utilizing computed tomographic angiography (CTA).
Methods
The CTA images of 300 FAs from 150 Asian patients were evaluated. According to the termination branch, the FA was classified as follows: type 1, FA terminates superior labial or inferior labial artery; type 2: FA terminates lateral nasal or inferior alar artery; type 3: FA terminates medial canthal artery; type 4: FA is divided into duplex branches with dominant medial canthal artery laterally. The relationship between nasolabial fold and FA was evaluated, and the distances from anatomical landmarks to FA were measured to position the course.
Results
70 arteries (23.3%), 163 arteries (54.3%), 49 arteries (16.3%), and the other 18 arteries (6.0%) were classified as type 1, 2, 3 and 4, respectively. 72.3% of FAs were located medially to the nasolabial fold, and only 14.7% of arteries were lateral to the nasolabial fold. The vertical distance between FA and the inner canthus or the midpoint of inferior orbital rim decreased from type 1 to type 4 FA (P < 0.0001). No significant difference was found among the four types of FA in the distances between the mandibular angle (P = 0.1226) or oral commissure (P = 0.1030) and the FA at inferior of mandible.
Conclusions
The detailed findings of facial artery will provide a valuable reference for filler injection in cosmetic procedures and flap design in reconstructive surgery.