Hyun Jin Park, Haeryun Ahn, Eunji Ki, Je Seong Lee, Yiseul Choi, Kyung-Seok Hu, Yong-Min Chun, Hee-Jin Kim. Anat Cell Biol -0001;0:. https://doi.org/10.5115/acb.20.261

A hollow temple may give rise to a false impression of early facial aging. This is corrected with dermal fillers that are injected into the hollow temple area to produce a smoother facial contour. However, various complications of this procedure have been reported, with the most common being the inadvertent injection of the filler material into the superficial temporal artery (STA). The aim of this study was to investigate the topographic anatomy of the STA and zygomatico‐orbital artery (ZOA) to provide essential anatomical information to aid in various clinical procedures involving the temporal region. The superficial arterial distribution of the temple area was studied in 43 hemisectioned Korean cadavers. The courses of the STA and ZOA were identified and classified based on the line connecting the tragus and the superciliary arch (TR‐SA line). The ZOA was present in 85.2% of cases and bifurcated from the frontal branch of the STA, after which it ran along the TR‐SA line. In this study, the STA pattern was classified into a typical pattern where the ZOA coexists with the STA and a lower pattern where the ZOA was absent. The current findings suggested that the ZOA ran close to the TR‐SA line. Therefore, to minimize vascular complications during invasive procedures, injection into this area should be avoided. In addition, clinicians should verify the existence of ZOA and the course of STA before performing various clinical procedures.

Yi KH, et al. Yonsei Med J. 2023 Aug;64(8):511-517. https://doi.org/10.3349/ymj.2023.0124

The study “Spaces of the Face for Filler Procedures: Identification of subSMAS Spaces Based on Anatomical Study” explores the anatomy of facial spaces crucial for safe and effective filler injections. By delineating the subSMAS (sub-superficial musculoaponeurotic system) spaces, this research highlights how these virtual compartments, bordered by fat, muscles, fascia, and ligaments, facilitate independent muscle movement and reduce the risk of damaging critical structures. The thicker and more robust skin of East Asians necessitates deeper filler injections, emphasizing the significance of accurately identifying these spaces. A cadaver study with dyed gelatin validated the existence and characteristics of these subSMAS spaces, confirming their safety for filler procedures. Key spaces, such as the subgalea-frontalis, interfascial and temporalis, and prezygomatic spaces, were examined, illustrating safe zones for injections. The findings underscore the importance of anatomical knowledge for enhancing facial aesthetics while minimizing complications. This study serves as a guide for clinicians to perform precise and safe filler injections, providing a foundation for further research on the dynamic interactions of these spaces and long-term outcomes.