Translucent and Ultrasonographic Studies of the Inferior Labial Artery for Improvement of Filler Injection Techniques

Lower lip augmentation by filler injection is an aesthetic procedure essential for achieving a feminine look and to enhance attractiveness. Complications as a result of injury to the inferior labial artery can result in undesirable outcomes. METHODS: The translucent technique was used to study the origin of the inferior labial artery in 11 cadavers. Ultrasonography of the inferior labial artery was also performed in 20 volunteers, which provided supplemental data to this study, in relation to establishing recommendations for filler injection. RESULTS: Five different types of inferior labial artery were described. These types were found in various combination patterns. Types 2, 4, and 5 are more vulnerable to arterial injury during filler injection. Ultrasonography revealed a depth of 6 mm and an arterial position at the vermillion border as the dangerous injection plane. CONCLUSION: The origins and courses of the inferior labial artery are classified into 5 types. These types are often found in combination with each other in different faces, resulting in large anatomical variation between people. Types of combination influence severity of lower lip necrosis when arterial injury occurs. The physician should be aware of these anatomical variations during aesthetic treatments and reconstructive procedures to avoid the dangers of accidental arterial injury.