Year: 2026
Type: article
Abstract: While individual variations in the branching pattern of the facial artery have been reported, the simultaneous absence of multiple major branches is exceedingly rare. During routine cadaveric dissection of the superficial face, a unique combination of facial artery terminal branches was observed in an 85-year-old man. On the left side, the inferior labial artery and angular artery were absent. On the right side, the superior labial artery was absent. Additionally, the transverse facial artery was absent bilaterally. Consequently, the dorsal nasal artery and infraorbital arteries provided supplemental blood supply to the face, which is underreported in the literature. This combination of variations could significantly impact aesthetic procedures and head and neck surgeries, underscoring the need for awareness of these variations in preoperative and postoperative planning. .
Source: Cureus
Authors: Kaden L Wilson, Peyton Mraz, Jay M Bauman
Institution: Saint Louis University
Language: English
Subfield: Dermatology
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: diamond
Funder: Saint Louis University
OpenAlex ID: W7151222306