BACKGROUND: The temporal branch of the facial nerve is one of the nerves more commonly injured due to the scarce subcutaneous tissue that protects it from its exit at the parotid gland. METHOD: Twenty five cadaveric hemifaces were dissected allowing a analysis of the temporal branch and: parotid gland, zygomatic arch, SMAS, superficial temporal artery and frontal muscle. RESULTS: Twelve temporal branches exposed at a distance 1.7cm anterior to the trago. Two temporal branches crossing the zygomatic arc was the most frequent finding.This passage occurred between 3.2 to 3.9 cm posterior to the lateral border of the orbit. The trajectory of the temporal branch near the deep side of the SMAS and temporofacial fascia and above the superficial layer of the deep temporal fascia was constant. The frontal branch of the superficial temporal artery was superior and parallel to the nerve trajectory in 92% of the dissections CONCLUSION: The temporal branch follow a constant plane along the undersurface of the temporoparietal fascia and is quite superficial as it cross the zygomatic arch.
Facial nerve; Rejuvenation; Fascia
