Anatomical Variations in the Course of Labial Arteries: A Literature Review

Background: Nonsurgical lip enhancement using dermal fillers is a very popular procedure. The trend for enlarged lips has been popularized by media and social media. The lips have considerable aesthetic and functional importance, in addition to having a complex anatomy. Serious complications, including vascular compromise or occlusion leading to cutaneous necrosis and blindness, can occur as the result of lip enhancement using dermal fillers. Therefore, aesthetic practitioners require an in-depth understanding of the anatomy and vasculature of the lips and the perioral area prior to providing lip enhancement using dermal fillers.

Objectives: This literature review aimed to summarize existing data describing the origin, path, and depth of the superior and inferior labial arteries, and to help aesthetic practitioners in providing safer injections to the lips.

Methods: A literature search was carried out to summarize the available data describing the origin, path, and depth of the labial arteries.

Results: Analysis of the literature revealed that the labial arteries display great variability with respect to path (distribution), presence, and location.

Conclusions: Increasing the volume of lips through injections of dermal filler needs to be undertaken with caution, and awareness of the anatomical variation in artery location and path is a crucial concept that is essential when injecting the lips.