Anatomical knowledge of zygomatico-buccal plexus in a cadaveric study

Area of Science:

• Anatomy
• Facial Nerve Anatomy
• Surgical Anatomy

Background:

• Facial nerve branching in the parotid gland and periorbital areas is well-documented.
• Knowledge gaps exist regarding the zygomatico-buccal plexus (ZBP) in the masseteric and buccal regions.
• Preventing iatrogenic injury to the ZBP is crucial for facial procedures.

Purpose of the Study:

• To elucidate the anatomical characteristics and common locations of the zygomatico-buccal plexus (ZBP) in the mid-face.
• To provide clinicians with predictive data to avoid ZBP injury.
• To enhance safety in facial rejuvenation procedures.

Main Methods:

• Conventional dissection of 42 hemifaces from 29 embalmed cadavers.
• Investigation of buccal branch (BB) and ZBP characteristics in the masseteric and buccal regions.
• Analysis of ZBP patterns, distances, and diameters.

Main Results:

• Buccal branches (BB) emerge from the parotid gland with 2-5 ramifications.
• The ZBP exhibits three patterns: incomplete loop (11.9%), single-loop (31.0%), and multi-loop (57.1%).
• The medial line of the ZBP is consistently located approximately 30 mm lateral to the mouth corner and 20 mm lateral to the alar base.

Conclusions:

• The multi-loop pattern of the ZBP is most prevalent.
• A predictable medial line of the ZBP exists in the mid-face.
• Clinicians must exercise caution in the mid-face region to prevent ZBP injury during facial rejuvenation.