The Superficial Temporal Artery: Anatomical Map for Facial Reconstruction and Aesthetic Procedures

Abstract

Background

The superficial temporal artery (STA) is a terminal branch of the external carotid artery, which supplies multiple regions of the scalp and face. Reconstructive and aesthetic procedures are important clinical aspects of STA supply.

Objectives

The aim of this study was to develop an anatomical map of the STA related to anatomical landmarks.

Methods

Head computed tomographic angiographies of 215 patients were included in this study, with 419 STAs in the final analysis. The STA's main branches and variants were identified. Diameters of the STA and its frontal and occipital branches were measured and the distance was delineated between the STA tree and anatomical landmarks.

Results

Frontal and parietal branches were recorded in 98.1% and 90.7% of patients, respectively. The mean diameters, measured 1 and 7 cm from the STA bifurcation for the frontal branch, were 0.97 ± 0.32 mm and 0.81 ± 0.26 mm, respectively, and for parietal branch, they were 0.96 ± 0.28 mm and 0.76 ± 0.23 mm, respectively. The STA bifurcation point was located above the zygomatic arch (ZA) in 75.6%, below in 14.7%, and on the ZA in 9.7% of patients. The mean distance from the ZA center to the STA bifurcation was 16.8 ± 16.0 mm.

Conclusion

The STA artery and its main branches have a conservative course, and serious anatomical variations are relatively rare. The STA and its main branches may be localized using simple anatomical landmarks. An anatomical map showing artery-free zones in the lateral forehead region was presented, which may be supportive for plastic, reconstructive, and aesthetic surgeons.