– cheek refers to the soft-tissue and bony contour of the midface between the lower eyelid and the jawline. – In anatomy, cheek includes skin, fat compartments, muscles, and the cheekbone (zygoma and maxilla). – In cosmetic medicine, cheek is a common target for volume restoration, contouring, and lift. – In reconstructive surgery, cheek is addressed to restore facial shape, coverage, and function after injury or disease.
The orbit is the bony “eye socket” that houses and protects the eyeball and its supporting structures. It contains muscles, nerves, blood vessels, fat, and the tear (lacrimal) gland. In cosmetic and plastic surgery, the orbit is a key landmark for procedures around the eyelids, brows, and midface. In reconstructive surgery, the orbit is evaluated and repaired after trauma, tumors, or congenital differences.
The lacrimal apparatus is the body’s tear-producing and tear-draining system around the eye. It includes structures that make tears and structures that move tears into the nose. It supports eye comfort, surface health, and clear vision by keeping the cornea lubricated. It is clinically relevant in both reconstructive and cosmetic periocular care because eyelid surgery can affect tear flow.
The canthus is the corner of the eye where the upper and lower eyelids meet. Each eye has a medial canthus (near the nose) and a lateral canthus (near the temple). It is a key anatomical landmark in eyelid evaluation, oculoplastic surgery, and facial aesthetics. It is used in both cosmetic planning (shape, symmetry) and reconstructive care (injury or eyelid support).
The lower eyelid is the mobile skin-and-muscle structure that covers and protects the lower portion of the eye. It helps spread tears across the eye surface and supports comfort and vision. In cosmetic medicine, the lower eyelid is a common focus for under-eye contour and skin-quality concerns. In reconstructive surgery, it is addressed to restore protection, position, and symmetry after injury or disease.
The brow is the soft-tissue and skin region above the eye socket, including the eyebrow and surrounding support structures. It plays a key role in facial expression, eye framing, and upper-face balance. In clinical settings, brow assessment is used in both cosmetic and reconstructive planning. Changes in brow position or shape can affect appearance and, in some cases, upper-field vision.
The temple is the side area of the head between the outer corner of the eye and the hairline, overlying the temporal bone and temporalis muscle. In cosmetic medicine, the temple is commonly assessed for volume loss (“temple hollowing”) and contour balance with the forehead, brow, and cheek. In reconstructive surgery, the temple region may be addressed after trauma, surgery, or congenital differences that affect symmetry and function.
The forehead is the front, upper part of the face between the eyebrows and the hairline. It includes skin, soft tissue, underlying muscles, and the frontal bone. In cosmetic medicine, the forehead is a common focus for smoothing lines and balancing brow position. In reconstructive surgery, it may be involved in trauma repair, scar management, and tissue transfer procedures.
glabella is the smooth area of the forehead between the eyebrows, just above the nasal bridge. It is a common anatomical landmark used in facial analysis and surgical planning. In cosmetic care, it is frequently discussed in relation to “frown lines” (glabellar lines). In reconstructive surgery, it may be involved in local flap design or scar placement planning.
The tear trough is a natural indentation that runs from the inner corner of the eye along the upper cheek. It is also called the nasojugal groove and is part of normal under-eye anatomy. In cosmetic medicine, “tear trough” commonly refers to visible under-eye hollowing or shadowing in this area. It is used mainly in cosmetic assessment and treatment planning, and sometimes in reconstructive evaluation after trauma or surgery.
marionette lines are creases that run from the corners of the mouth downward toward the chin. They are a common age-related facial change and can contribute to a “downturned” mouth appearance. The term is used mainly in cosmetic medicine, but it can also be relevant in reconstructive facial planning.
The nasolabial fold is the natural crease that runs from the side of the nose to the corner of the mouth. It is an anatomic landmark formed by underlying facial fat pads, muscle movement, and skin attachment points. In cosmetic medicine, it is commonly discussed as a feature that can become more prominent with aging or volume loss. In reconstructive surgery, it is used as a reference line and sometimes as a location where scars can be placed to be less noticeable.
A jowl is the soft tissue along the lower cheek and jawline that can appear heavier or sagging with age or weight changes. In clinical and aesthetic contexts, jowl usually refers to fullness that blurs the jawline near the corners of the mouth and mandibular border. It is commonly discussed in cosmetic facial assessment and in planning procedures that contour the lower face and neck. It can also be relevant in reconstructive care when restoring lower-face symmetry after injury, disease, or surgery.
The malar fat pad is a distinct collection of facial fat that sits over the cheekbone area (malar region). It helps shape midface fullness and contributes to cheek contour and smooth transitions under the eyes. In clinical practice, it is discussed in both cosmetic and reconstructive facial procedures. It is often evaluated when addressing midface aging, under-eye hollowing, and cheek asymmetry.
The buccal fat pad is a naturally occurring pocket of fat in the cheek, positioned deep to the facial muscles. It helps fill the mid-cheek area and allows smooth movement between muscles during chewing and facial expression. In cosmetic surgery, it is commonly discussed in the context of buccal fat reduction (cheek slimming). In reconstructive surgery, it can be used as a local tissue “flap” to help close certain oral defects.
The parotid gland is the largest major salivary gland, and it produces saliva that drains into the mouth through a duct. It sits in front of and slightly below the ear, over the back of the jaw (mandible). It is clinically important in both reconstructive and cosmetic facial surgery because of its close relationship to the facial nerve. It is also a common site for benign and malignant salivary gland tumors.
The facial nerve is the main motor nerve that controls facial expression. It also carries some taste fibers and helps regulate tear and saliva gland function. Clinicians map and protect the facial nerve during cosmetic and reconstructive facial procedures. It is central to evaluation and treatment of facial weakness, asymmetry, and facial paralysis.
The trigeminal nerve is the main sensory nerve of the face and also controls a few chewing muscles. It carries feeling from the forehead, cheeks, lips, teeth, and jaw to the brain. Clinicians reference it in both cosmetic and reconstructive facial care to plan safe treatment and manage facial sensation and pain.
The greater occipital nerve is a sensory nerve that supplies feeling to much of the back and top of the scalp. It arises from the upper cervical spine region (most commonly the C2 nerve root) and travels upward toward the scalp. Clinicians use it as an anatomic landmark and treatment target in headache care and some reconstructive or pain-focused procedures. In cosmetic and plastic surgery settings, it is most relevant for scalp/neck anatomy, anesthesia planning, and avoiding nerve irritation during surgery.