A Guide to Doppler Ultrasound Analysis of the Face in Cosmetic Medicine. Part 2: Vascular Mapping

Duplex mode ultrasound imaging can detect the course of the main vascular structures in the face, which are known to be subject to variation. Once duplex mapping has been performed, measures can be taken to prevent injection into an artery, thereby avoiding skin necrosis or, worse, vision loss. For this reason, in particular, we predict that in the coming years sonography will become standard equipment in the offices of cosmetic doctors. We discuss the basics of vascular imaging by Doppler ultrasound, both in normal and pathologic situations. Starting from the 7 basic positions for the ultrasound probe, all facial arteries relevant in cosmetic medicine can be found.