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.

The mental nerve is a sensory nerve that supplies feeling to the lower lip, chin, and nearby gum tissue. It is a terminal branch of the inferior alveolar nerve and exits the jaw through the mental foramen (a small opening in the mandible). It is clinically important in both reconstructive and cosmetic procedures involving the chin, lower lip, and lower face. It is also a common target for local anesthesia (a “mental nerve block”) and a structure surgeons aim to protect during surgery.

The infraorbital nerve is a sensory nerve that supplies feeling to the lower eyelid, side of the nose, upper lip, and upper cheek. It is a branch of the maxillary division (V2) of the trigeminal nerve, a major nerve for facial sensation. Clinicians reference the infraorbital nerve to plan safe cosmetic and reconstructive procedures in the midface and under-eye region. It is also commonly targeted for local anesthesia (a nerve block) during facial and dental-related procedures.

The supraorbital artery is a small blood vessel that supplies the upper eyelid, forehead, and front scalp. It most commonly branches from the ophthalmic artery (a key artery within the orbit). It travels near the supraorbital nerve and emerges around the brow through a notch or small bony opening. In cosmetic and reconstructive care, it is mainly a “structure to protect” and sometimes a “blood supply to use” for local flaps.

The supratrochlear artery is a small blood vessel that supplies the central upper forehead and front scalp. It typically arises from the ophthalmic artery (a branch of the internal carotid circulation) near the inner corner of the eye. In cosmetic and plastic practice, it matters as a landmark to avoid during injections and as a key blood supply for certain forehead-based reconstructive flaps. It is used in both cosmetic planning (safety and anatomy) and reconstructive surgery (tissue perfusion).

The angular artery is a blood vessel near the inner corner of the eye (the medial canthus). It is typically the terminal (end) segment of the facial artery as it ascends along the side of the nose. It supplies blood to nearby facial tissues, including parts of the nose, eyelids, and upper cheek. It is clinically important in both cosmetic injectables and reconstructive facial surgery because it can bleed and can be involved in rare vascular complications.

The facial artery is a major blood vessel that supplies oxygen-rich blood to the lower and mid-face. It typically arises from the external carotid artery in the neck and travels across the jaw into the face. It is important in both reconstructive surgery (to support tissue flaps) and cosmetic practice (as a key vascular structure to avoid or map). Its course and branches can vary between individuals, which matters for planning and safety.

levator labii refers to the upper-lip–elevating muscles of the midface that help lift the upper lip during facial expression. It is most commonly discussed in anatomy, facial aesthetics, and reconstructive planning around the nose, upper lip, and smile. Clinicians consider it in both cosmetic care (for smile aesthetics) and reconstructive surgery (for repair and facial balance). It is not a “procedure” by itself, but a key structure that can be assessed, preserved, released, repaired, or temporarily weakened.

The nasalis muscle is a small facial muscle that lies over the bridge and sides of the nose. It helps compress or widen parts of the nostrils during facial expression and breathing. Clinically, it is discussed in both cosmetic care (for expression lines and nasal flare) and reconstructive planning (around nasal form and airway support).

zygomaticus major is a facial expression muscle that helps lift and pull the corner of the mouth outward. It runs from the cheekbone (zygomatic bone) toward the mouth corner (modiolus region). It is clinically relevant in both cosmetic and reconstructive facial procedures because it affects smile shape and symmetry. Clinicians also use it as an anatomic landmark to plan safe dissection and injection planes.

The temporalis is a broad, fan-shaped muscle on the side of the head (the temple region). It helps close the jaw and supports chewing by elevating and retracting the mandible. In cosmetic and reconstructive care, temporalis can be a target for contouring or a source of tissue for grafts and flaps. It is commonly discussed in facial aesthetics, craniofacial reconstruction, and facial reanimation planning.