Visualization techniques of the facial arteries

BACKGROUND: As the face is known for its extreme variation in vascular anatomy and the number of filler-associated complications due to intra-arterial injection is increasing, we are in need of a method to visualize anyone's individual arterial anatomy of the face in a completely harmless way. AIMS: The different medical imaging methods and a recently developed MRA protocol are reviewed. METHODS: The literature of the last twenty years-with special attention for the last five years-concerning the different medical imaging modalities of the facial arteries was reviewed. RESULTS: A harmless visualisation of the facial arteries is currently only possible with US or MRA. US may identify single vessels but never the complete arterial network. A combination of IR "heat enhancement" and a MRA 3D-TOF sequence might make it feasible to visualize a large number of facial arteries in a risk-free, radiation-free, contrast-free and non-invasive way. CONCLUSION: Currently, a new combination of IR "heat enhancement" and a MRA 3D-TOF sequence might be the only method to visualize a large number of facial arteries.