Descriptive Study on Vascular Anatomy of the Upper Lip

Abstract

Introduction

The superior labial artery (SLA) is a facial artery (FA) that drains into the peri-oral region (dangerous area of face). Owing to the recent rise in the demand for reconstructive procedures and filler injections in this region, it is important to understand its arterial topography. This paper aims to study the embranchment pattern of the labial arteries in the eastern Indian population.

Method

An observational study using conventional dissection and dry dye injection methods was conducted to visualize the facial and superior labial arteries in 56 hemifaces. The origin, morphometry (length and diameter), branching pattern, and termination of the arteries were recorded and compared with the existing data.

Results

Two hemifaces were excluded from analysis (vessels damaged in dissection); in the remaining 54, a single SLA was present in all samples originating at a mean distance of 1.29 ± 0.32 cm from oral commissure (68.51% originating above). Lee type II (independent SLA giving off alar branch) was the predominant pattern (56.2%), followed by type I (independent SLA and alar branches, 33%) and type III (FA terminating as SLA, 10.8%). The average length of SLA was 4.75 ± 1.28 cm and 4.56 ± 0.78 cm on the right and left sides, respectively.

Conclusion

The SLA is highly variable in occurrence, course, and depth, sometimes even occurring unilaterally; therefore, any intervention in this region should be done with caution. Since the SLA was not found subcutaneously at the vermillion border, the intradermal and the subcutaneous injections used here are relatively safer.

Level of Evidence IV

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