Anatomical variability of the marginal mandibular branch of the facial nerve: implications for facial plastic surgery
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.24054/cbs.v4i3.4528Keywords:
Facial nerve, marginal mandibular branch, anatomical variability, facial surgery, surgical anatomyAbstract
The marginal mandibular branch of the facial nerve (MMB) is a critical structure in lower facial surgery. Its classic description as a single branch with a predictable course does not reflect the actual variability documented in modern cadaveric literature. Approximately 50% of individuals have more than one branch, and its position can be up to 2.5 cm below the mandibular border, exceeding the classic safety margin. The facial vein is the most reliable intraoperative landmark, although it has limitations in multibranched variants. These findings justify an update to the anatomical teaching of the MMB in medical training.
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