Venous vascularization of the forehead and clinical implications-A comprehensive review.

Abstract

Some aesthetic medicine procedures, such as hyaluronic acid injections and thread implantations, are performed in the forehead area. Therefore, knowledge of the anatomy of this region is essential to ensure that medical procedures are carried out safely. A cross-sectional analysis of the available literature aims to organize and expand knowledge among specialists. Databases, such as Scopus, Embase, Web of Science, and PubMed were used to conduct a literature review, resulting in 1007 publications. After applying exclusion and inclusion criteria, results from 11 articles were extracted. The supratrochlear vein originates at the medial corner of the eye, where it joins the supraorbital vein to form the angular vein. The supraorbital vein, together with the angular vein, drains into the superior ophthalmic vein, converging at the medial edge of the supraorbital margin. Its main trunk connects medially with the supratrochlear veins and laterally with the superficial temporal veins, forming the transverse supraorbital vein. The superficial temporal veins are located on the temporal fascia and may appear as a single main branch or with three terminal branches, according to different reports. The vascularization of the forehead exhibits significant anatomical variability. Therefore, specialists performing medical procedures in this region should be prepared for diverse anatomy to ensure the safe administration of treatments in the forehead area. It is particularly crucial to recognize that pulmonary embolism may be the most serious venous complication following hyaluronic acid-based procedures, underscoring the need for precise anatomical knowledge and procedural caution.