The External Nose: The Nasal Arteries and Their Course in Relation to the Nasolabial Fold and Groove

Abstract

BACKGROUND: The blood supply to the external nose is poorly described. The aim of this study was to identify the different types of blood supply to the external nose and the course of the arteries in relation to the nasolabial fold and groove and to the facial muscles. METHODS: With 96 facial halves of 48 adult specimens, the arteries of the outer nose were dissected, and three-dimensional computed tomographic reconstructions and horizontal sections were made. RESULTS: Three main types of blood supply to the external nose were identified, associated with the different types of facial arteries. Moreover, a deep course of the nasal arteries in relation to the nasolabial fold and a very superficial course in relation to the nasolabial groove were found. CONCLUSION: Knowledge regarding the nasal arteries is clinically relevant for filler injection for aesthetic improvements of the nose and nasolabial fold and for planning local flaps in facial reconstructions and also for rhinoplasty.