A Unique Bilateral Anatomical Variation of the Transverse Facial Artery: A Case Report

Abstract

During routine dissection of the superficial face in an 81-year-old male cadaver, an unusually large caliber transverse facial artery (TFA) was observed bilaterally. Further dissection revealed the presence of a hypoplastic facial artery (FA) that passed deep to depressor anguli oris and gave off the inferior labial artery. Bilaterally, the TFA gave rise to the superior labial artery, lateral nasal artery, and ended as the angular artery. Anastomosis of the branches of the TFA, FA, and infraorbital artery was noticed at the buccal area. To our knowledge, there are no previous reports of this anatomical variation. Documentation of variations in the arterial supply of the face will be helpful in further minimizing complications during facial surgery and cosmetic procedures.