Venous Tributaries of the Lip: Implications for Lip Filler Injection

Area of Science:

• Anatomy
• Vascular Surgery
• Aesthetic Medicine

Background:

• Lip filler injections are increasingly popular.
• Existing research acknowledges vascular roles in side effects.
• Venous anatomy of the lower face is understudied.

Purpose of the Study:

• To map the venous vasculature of the lower face.
• To identify areas of venous pooling relevant to lip filler procedures.
• To provide guidance for safe injection techniques.

Main Methods:

• Photographic analysis of venous vasculature in 26 participants.
• Utilized a vein transilluminator for perioral venous flow visualization.
• Compared identified venous patterns with common lip filler injection sites.

Main Results:

• Identified consistent venous tributaries superior to the upper vermilion border.
• Noted venous tributaries extending from the oral commissures to the chin.
• Highlighted four significant venous pooling areas: near Cupid's bow, upper lip tubercle, lower lip wet-dry line, and central lower lip vermilion border.

Conclusions:

• Perioral venous mapping aids lip enhancement injectors.
• Identifies at-risk areas for venous injury during injections.
• Avoiding these vulnerable regions minimizes bruising, swelling, and asymmetry for better aesthetic results.