Objectives: The layered anatomy of the face includes ligaments like the zygomatic cutaneous ligament, essential for skin stability. This study provides the first in vivo visualization of the zygomatic cutaneous ligament, revealing it as a stable structure with horizontal lines, challenging prior cadaver-based descriptions.
Introduction: The layered anatomy of the face includes ligaments like the zygomatic cutaneous ligament, essential for skin stability. Most knowledge on these ligaments comes from cadaver studies, which are limited by post-mortem changes that alter tissue structure and behavior. This study uses ultrasound to provide the first in vivo visualization of the zygomatic cutaneous ligament, examining its structure and characteristics across demographics (e.g., gender, age, BMI, ethnicity) to deepen understanding of its
role in facial anatomy and aging.
Materials / method: This observational study at Erasmus Medical Center used ultrasound imaging to analyze the zygomatic cutaneous ligament in participants who had not undergone any prior facial procedures. Demographic data were collected, and ultrasound measurements assessed ligament depth, width, and position.
Results: Measurements were consistent across probe positions and facial sides. Women
showed significantly greater ligament depth and more superficial fat than men (both p < 0.001), with no differences in ligament width. BMI correlated with bizygomatic width (r = 0.46, p < 0.001) and superficial fat (p = 0.039) but did not affect ligament dimensions. No significant age-related correlations were observed.
Conclusion: This study provides the first in vivo visualization of the zygomatic cutaneous ligament, revealing it as a stable structure with horizontal lines, challenging prior cadaver-based descriptions. The ligament’s consistency across positions and demographics highlights its role as a reliable anchoring structure, while gender differences point to distinct facial architecture. Future research with diverse populations and advanced fat analysis, advancing facial anatomy and aesthetics is needed.
Disclosures
Did you receive any funding to support your research for this TOPIC?
No
Were you provided with any honoraria, payment or other compensation for your work on this study?
No
Do you have any financial relationship with any entity which may closely compete with the medications, materials or instruments covered by your study?
No
Do you own or have you applied for any patents in conjunction with the instruments, medications or materials discussed in your study?
No
This work is presented thanks to the support of: J. M. H. Jacobse and P. Velthuis
