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Evaluation of Facial Artery Course Variations, Diameters, and Depth Using Doppler Ultrasonography: A Systematic
Mohammad Reza Pourani1,2, Mandana Ebrahimzade3, Ehsan Goudarzi3
1Skin Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
Ultrasonography (US) effectively maps the facial artery (FA) anatomy, revealing common variations like medial courses relative to the nasolabial fold. This vascular mapping enhances safety in cosmetic procedures by preventing complications.
Area of Science:
- Anatomy
- Medical Imaging
- Vascular Surgery
Background:
- The facial artery (FA) is the primary vascular supply to the face, with significant anatomical variations.
- Ultrasonography (US) is a non-invasive, practical imaging technique for facial vascular mapping.
- Accurate FA mapping is crucial for preventing complications like ischemia and necrosis during aesthetic injections.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the anatomical characteristics of the facial artery (FA) using ultrasonography (US).
- To assess FA course variations in relation to the nasolabial fold (NLF).
- To determine FA depth and diameter variations at different facial levels.
Main Methods:
- Systematic review and meta-analysis adhering to PRISMA guidelines.
- Inclusion of studies using Doppler US to illustrate FA anatomy in adult populations.
- Analysis of pooled visualization rates and prevalence of FA course variations relative to the NLF.
Main Results:
- High visualization rates of FA (99.8-100%) across three facial levels.
- Most frequent FA courses: medial to NLF (46.2%) and crossing NLF (22.5%); least frequent: lateral to NLF (12.0%).
- FA deepens with facial ascent (6.27mm to 8.04mm) and narrows in diameter (2.14mm to 1.46mm).
Conclusions:
- US reliably detects the FA at multiple facial levels, confirming its utility for vascular mapping.
- The study provides comprehensive anatomical data on FA variations and branching patterns.
- Doppler US-guided vascular mapping of the FA enhances safety in cosmetic procedures by preventing intravascular injections.
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