INFLUENCE OF BIOTYPES ON THE VARIABILITY OF THE COURSE OF THE FACIAL ARTERY, OSTEOCOMPAS 2024

https://doi.org/10.56274/rcs.2025.4.1.49

Abstract

The link between the course of the facial artery and craniofacial biotypes is crucial in aesthetic and surgical interventions, due to the anatomical diversity that can increase the likelihood of complications such as vascular damage, excessive bleeding, or hematomas. This study aimed to identify how craniofacial characteristics affect the course of this artery in a sample of individuals. An observational, descriptive, and cross-sectional design was used. The sample consisted of 25 graduate students in facial harmonization in Santa Cruz, Bolivia, selected by convenience. Doppler ultrasound and computed tomography were used to measure the distances from the facial midline and other anatomical landmarks to the facial artery. “Participants were classified into brachycephalic, normocephalic, and dolichocephalic biotypes”. “The results showed that the normocephalic biotype was the most prevalent, with 14 participants, followed by dolichocephalic and brachycephalic biotypes, with 6 each”. The average distance from the facial midline to the facial artery was 3.32 cm, with moderate variability between biotypes. Measurements from the base of the nasal ala showed less variability (0.94 cm on average), while measurements from the labial commissure showed greater dispersion, especially in brachycephalic individuals. Facial biotype was determined to have a considerable impact on the diversity of the facial artery pathway. These findings demonstrate the importance of considering individual anatomical variations during the planning process of facial procedures, in order to reduce risks, avoid complications, and improve aesthetic and functional outcomes.