The facial artery is a major branch of the external carotid artery. Its primary role is to supply blood to the:
• lips and mouth
• cheeks
• nose
• chin
• surrounding soft tissues
Because it delivers oxygenated blood to large areas of the face, the facial artery plays an important role in tissue health, wound healing, and skin integrity.
It is sometimes referred to as the external maxillary artery in older anatomical texts.
The facial artery originates in the neck, just above the lingual artery, from the external carotid artery. From here, it travels forward and upward toward the lower border of the mandible.
At the lower jawline, it curves around the bone at a location commonly referred to as the:
👉 Facial Artery Notch
This is one of the few areas where the artery may be palpated due to its superficial position.
After crossing the mandible, the artery enters the face and follows a winding (tortuous) path — a feature believed to help accommodate facial expression and movement.
Once on the face, the artery runs diagonally toward the corner of the mouth, supplying the:
• lower lip (via the inferior labial artery)
• upper lip (via the superior labial artery)
It then continues toward the side of the nose as the angular artery, where it anastomoses (connects) with branches of the ophthalmic artery.
Because of its tortuous path, the exact position of the facial artery may vary slightly between individuals. However, key landmarks are typically found near the:
• nasolabial fold
• oral commissure
• medial cheek region
The facial artery provides blood supply to several major facial structures, including:
• lips and oral region
• buccal (cheek) tissues
• nasal ala and side of the nose
• chin and perioral area
Its branches help maintain:
• tissue perfusion
• thermoregulation
• skin vitality
• healing and recovery following trauma
These functions make it clinically significant in both healthcare and aesthetics.
For aesthetic injectors and practitioners, knowledge of vascular anatomy helps improve treatment safety and risk awareness.
The facial artery is clinically relevant because it:
• lies relatively superficial in areas such as the nasolabial fold
• has anatomical variations between individuals
• forms vascular connections with the orbital region
• supplies areas commonly treated in aesthetic procedures
Understanding where major vessels lie allows practitioners to:
• develop stronger anatomical mapping skills
• recognise high-risk regions
• appreciate tissue perfusion patterns
• support safer decision-making during treatment planning
(Training, professional competence and appropriate scope of practice remain essential at all times.)
The facial artery does not follow an identical course in every person. Variations may include:
• differences in depth or branching pattern
• altered entry point at the mandible
• variations in angular artery continuation
These variations highlight why structured anatomical study and ongoing learning are valuable in clinical and aesthetic fields.
• The facial artery is a major branch of the external carotid artery.
• It supplies blood to the lips, cheeks, chin and nasal region.
• It follows a winding path from the mandible to the medial cheek and nose.
• It is clinically and aesthetically significant due to its course and vascular connections.
• Knowledge of facial vascular anatomy supports safer and more informed practice.
Want to learn more about facial anatomy? The Advanced Learning Academys offers online accredited facial anatomy courses - Level 4 and Level 5/ You can view the Level 4
here
