Where to find facial artery perforators: a reference point

Ng, Z.Y., Fogg, Q. and Shoaib, T. (2010) Where to find facial artery perforators: a reference point. Journal of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery, 63(12), pp. 2046-2051. (doi: 10.1016/j.bjps.2010.01.002)

Abstract

Reconstructive surgery of the midface using facial artery perforator (FAP) flaps is being used more frequently now as it has been reported to provide better aesthetic results and reduce a traditional two-stage procedure to a one-stage technique. Wide acceptance of this approach is limited by poor understanding of the anatomy associated with this technique however. This was investigated through a cadaveric study. The facial artery (FA) of 16 cadaveric half faces were each identified, cannulated with coloured latex, and then dissected to give an accurate and quantified description of FA perforating branches. A lateral view picture of each specimen was taken and analysed using ImageJ 1.42q. Cadaveric dissections showed that each hemiface could be regarded as a single entity. Means: FA length = 116±22 mm, FA diameter = 2.62±0.74mm, number of FAPs = 4±2, FAP length = 14.12±3.46 mm, FAP diameter = 0.94±0.29 mm. A reference point, A, where FAPs were consistently found to originate was also identified. Therefore, the FAP flap is a viable and valuable addition to plastic reconstructive techniques. The localisation of point A with precise measurements can facilitate the design and use of such FAP flaps for the reconstruction of nasal, as well as perinasal and perioral defects.

• Item Type: Articles
• Keywords: facial artery, perforator flap, facial reconstruction, cadaveric study
• Status: Published
• Refereed: Yes
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: Shoaib, Mr Taimur and Fogg, Dr Quentin
• Authors: Ng, Z.Y., Fogg, Q., and Shoaib, T.
• Subjects: R Medicine > RD Surgery; Q Science > QM Human anatomy
• College/School: College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Life Sciences
• Research Group: Fogg
• Journal Name: Journal of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery
• Journal Abbr.: JPRAS
• Publisher: Elsevier
• ISSN: 1748-6815
• ISSN (Online): 1878-0539
• Published Online: 08 March 2010
• Copyright Holders: Copyright © 2010 Elsevier
• First Published: First published in Journal of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery 2010 63(12):2046-2051
• Publisher Policy: Reproduced in accordance with the copyright policy of the publisher