Five Compression Techniques to Obliterate the Facial Artery for Safe Filler Injections at the Nasolabial Fold

Background

Cannula injections at the nasolabial fold may face a risk of periarterial placement of filler. Compressions to temporary obliterate the facial artery may minimize the chance of arterial injury similar to injection of vasoconstrictor drug. 

Methods

This study monitored five manual compression techniques for obliteration of the facial artery at the nasolabial fold using ultrasonographic imaging in 46 volunteers.

Results                  

The ipsilateral mandibular compression temporary obliterated the facial artery at the nasolabial fold in 78 percent. The bilateral mandibular blocking sealed the artery in 93 percent.  The ipsilateral modiolar compression resulted in occlusion of the artery in 27 percent.  The ipsilateral modiolar and paraalar compression blocking effectively occluded the facial artery in 65 percent. The bilateral modiolar blocking obstructed the artery in 37 percent. 

Conclusion          

The compression techniques that effectively occlude the facial artery at the nasolabial fold in more than fifty percent of the cases to enhance safety of filler injections are: the bilateral mandibular compression (93%), ipsilateral mandibular compression (78%), and ipsilateral modiolar compression with paraalar compression (65%), respectively. These results provide alternative additional methods for physician’s individual preference.