ABSTRACT
Objective To provide anatomical basis of the zygomatic branch of the facial nerve for the rhytidectomy. Methods The clinical surgical anatomy of the zygomatic region was studied bilaterally on 12 embalmed cadaveric head specimens and 2 fresh cadavers. Results The zygomatic branches came out of the parotid and divided into 2 or 5 branches (66.70 %), three branches (25.00 %), or multiple branches (8.80 %). 91.67 % of the rami superficialis was observed, and its branches had three types. The path of the rami superficialis could be located beforehand in a plane section. The rami superficialis and the rami profundus had various anastomosis. Conclusions Zygomatic branches divide into the rami superficialis and the rami profundus according to crossing the zygomatic majar musle. The rami superficialis distribute on the upper one third of the zygomatic majar musle, and it accounts for 91.67% in the group. It can be labeled before rhytidectomy to avoid the nerve injury.