Nerve Blocks Utilized in The Face: A Comprehensive Review

Abstract

Facial nerve blocks are widely used techniques for analgesia to the face and utilized by surgeons to facilitate facial procedures. The aim of this review is to explore the different nerve blocks of the face. Therefore, a comprehensive literature search of PubMed, Scopus, Elsevier, and Web of Science was conducted to identify relevant literature related to facial blocks. For each block reported, the literature was screened for relevant information on indications, techniques, and complications. The facial nerve blocks identified in the current literature for facial surgery procedures were supraorbital and supratrochlear blocks, maxillary nerve block, inferior alveolar nerve block, lingual nerve block, mental nerve block, nerve block of the nose, and auricular nerve block. Success rates in both achieving anesthesia and postoperative pain control has been reported to be between 70% and 90%. The most frequent adverse effects of these blocks were allergic reaction, bleeding or hematoma, infection, and nerve damage due to nerve compression. On the other hand, few studies have investigated the efficacy and patient-reported outcomes. Variable levels of analgesia and anesthesia have been reported between the discussed facial nerve blocks, with each yielding a different advantage. Further studies are necessitated to report on the block duration and patient outcomes reported by each facial nerve block discussed in this review.