Facial Bones & Ligaments

Facial Bones & Ligaments

Frontal Bone

• Supraorbital Notch

  • Structure:

  • Allows passage of the supraorbital artery.

  • Location:

  • Below the frontalis muscle.

  • Characteristics:

  • Shallow in nature.

Orbital Structures

• Orbital Septum

  • Definition: A thin, fibrous membrane that separates the eyelids from the orbit.

  • Function:

  • Prevents infections from spreading between the eyelids and the orbit.

• Orbital Retaining Ligament

  • Description:

  • A part of the line of ligaments surrounding the orbital area.

• Tear Trough Ligament

  • Function: Circles the lower orbital rim, acts as a barrier for procedures like infraorbital injections (IOH injections).

Zygomatic Bone

• Zygomaticofacial Foramen

  • Function:

  • Allows for passage of the zygomaticofacial artery.

• Infraorbital Foramen

  • Function:

  • Allows for the passage of the infraorbital artery.

Maxilla

• Zygomatic Cutaneous Ligament

  • Characteristics:

  • Important for the structure and support of the midface.

Mandible

• Mental Foramen

  • Definition: An opening in the mandible allowing nerves and blood vessels to pass.

• Mandibular Osteocutaneous Ligament

  • Function:

  • Provides structural support to the skin over the mandible.

• Platysma Mandibular Ligament

  • Function:

  • Connects platysma muscle structures in the lower face.

• Masseteric Cutaneous Ligament

  • Characteristics:

  • Related to areas affected by masseter muscle activity.

Injection Considerations

• General Note:

  • The lateral jawline has many superficial microligaments that can be pierced during jawline injections in layer 2.

  • Important to note that it is not advisable to inject in layer 4 due to potential complications.

  • Variations exist; not all individuals have the same arrangement of ligaments and foramen.

  • Accessory foramen may present in some individuals, suggesting anatomical variations.

Age-Related Considerations

• Aging Effects:

  • Differences in structures and potential functions between ages 25 and 65 should be considered in clinical practice.