Evaluation of facial artery course variations and depth by Doppler ultrasonography

Abstract

Background: As deep nasolabial folds (NLF) are associated with facial aging, there is an increasing demand for esthetic correction with filler injections. Understanding the anatomy of the angular artery (AA) and facial artery (FA) around the NLF region is essential for ensuring the safety of dermal filler injections into the NLF. The purpose of this study was to provide detailed vascular anatomical information on the course and depth of AA and FA around NLF using Doppler ultrasound on live cases. Methods: FA was observed from the origin level adjacent to the mandible corpus to the end of its terminal branch AA in 168 hemifaces of 84 cases with Doppler ultrasonography. Results:We made a classification of the FA course based on the NLF. The minimum and maximum depths of the FA along its course were measured in 84 cases. The results showed that its course may be highly superficial (2.5 mm at the mandibular origin, 3.7 mm at the cheilion, 3.7 mm at the nasal ala) or it may follow a very deep course near the periosteum (15.0 mm at the mandibular origin, 18.7 mm at the cheilion, 23.5 mm at the nasal ala). FA depth was varied between 5.98 mm and 6.62 mm at the mandibular origin, between 8.36 mm and 9.20 mm at the cheilion, between 9.52 mm and 10.51 mm at the nasal ala at a 95% confidence interval.Conclusions: This study suggests that there is no absolutely safe depth or region for nasolabial fold filler injections.

Imaging of the skin microvascularization using spatially depolarized dynamic speckle

“…We note that the facial artery is known to be at least 2.5 mm deep in this region. 51 Acquisitions Figs. 3(d) and 3(e) performed on the lips show both microvessels and hot spots probably related to the coronary nature of labial microvascularization.…”

Signal and measurement considerations for human translation of diffuse in vivo flow cytometry

“…The purpose of this work was to study whether tissue optics would permit detection of single cells in blood vessels 2- to 4-mm deep in diffuse tissue such as the radial 16 or ulnar artery or superficial facial arteries. 33 Moreover, the goal was to determine which SDS configuration and wavelengths of light would be most appropriate. Although the effect of fiber probe design has been widely studied for diffuse optical tomography applications, 19 – 21 we are unaware of any other theoretical and experimental study to explore the specific problem of diffuse fluorescence measurement from a single cell in bulk tissue.…”

Signal and Measurement Considerations for Human Translation of Diffuse in vivo Flow Cytometry

“…We previously reported the use DiFC exclusively in mice 1,2,4,29 , although an open question is whether DiFC could work in humans. The purpose of this work was to study whether tissue optics would permit detection of single cells in blood vessels 2-4 mm deep in diffuse tissue such as the radial 15 or ulnar artery or superficial facial arteries 30 . Moreover, the goal was to determine which SDS configuration and wavelengths of light would be most appropriate.…”