Lower branches of the facial nerve.

Various aesthetic procedures have been developed over the past several decades for facial rejuvenation. One of the parallel goals is protection of vital structures such as the facial nerve. In this study, 10 cadaveric hemifacial dissections were performed, and the course of the lower portion of the facial nerve was studied with specific attention addressed toward the three-dimensional location of the nerve as it relates to the usual superficial tissue planes that are dissected during the course of an open facial rejuvenation procedure. The locations of the nerve as it runs within the different planes in addition to some suggestions to avoid injury to the lower branches of the facial nerve are discussed.