Surgical anatomy of the ligamentous attachments in the temple and periorbital regions

This anatomy study found an organized, consistent framework of fascia and ligaments in the temple and around the eye, with nerves and vessels in predictable positions that surgeons can use as guides during surgery.

Moss CJ, Mendelson BC, Taylor GI. Plastic and reconstructive surgery, 2000.

What it means for a patient

  • Aesthetic procedures in the temple and around the eye take place near important nerves and vessels.
  • These nerves and vessels sit in predictable positions relative to fascia and ligaments, which helps surgeons avoid them.
  • Ask your surgeon how they protect the nerves in the temple area during your procedure.
  • This is an anatomy study. It does not report surgical outcomes or complication rates.

Why this paper matters

It described the ligament and fascia framework of the temple and eye region and its fixed relationship to nerves and vessels. The authors present this as a basis for safer aesthetic surgery in these areas.

Overview

The authors documented how the superficial fascia in the temple and around the eye attaches to deeper structures. They describe the connective tissue framework that supports the skin and soft tissue, and how nerves and vessels relate to it. The abstract does not state the number of specimens or the methods used.

Findings

  • A highly organized and consistent three-dimensional connective tissue framework supports the skin and soft tissue of the temple and periorbital regions.
  • Regional nerves and vessels have constant, predictable relationships with the fascial planes and ligament attachments.
  • Surgeons can use the tissue planes and ligaments as reference points for vital nerves and vessels during surgery.
  • The authors state this improves efficiency and safety for aesthetic procedures in these regions.
  • The abstract gives no specimen count, measurements or patient data.

Terms

  • Superficial fascia: a layer of connective tissue under the skin and fat.
  • Temporal region: the temple, on the side of the head above the cheekbone.
  • Periorbital: around the eye.
  • Retaining ligament: a fibrous band holding soft tissue to bone or deeper layers.
  • Neurovascular structures: nerves and blood vessels.
  • Tissue plane: a natural layer between tissues that a surgeon can separate.
  • Intraoperative: during surgery.

Newest papers on facial anatomy

The latest studies on the same subject.

More plain summaries on facial anatomy

2026
The Anatomy of Sentinel Vein Based on Cadaver and Ultrasound
Zhao Y, Chen C, Zhang L, Li J, Lai F, Jin TT, et al. · J Craniofac Surg · PMID 42757998 · Plain summary
2026
Intraoral Anatomy of the Buccal Nerve for Buccal Fat Pad and Facelift Procedures
Ertaş A, Bağhaki S, İbiş EC, Taştan ÖA, Goral K, Gürses İA · Aesthet Surg J · PMID 42579285 · Plain summary