The Infrapalpebral Sulcus in a Female Face Viewed Laterally

Description

Seen in lateral profile, the infrapalpebral (subpalpebral) sulcus forms a shallow crease at the lid cheek junction, immediately inferior to the lower eyelid margin and orbicularis oculi. Superiorly it relates to the palpebral fissure and inferior tarsal region, while inferiorly it blends into the anterior cheek over the malar prominence. The sulcus tracks roughly parallel to the infraorbital rim, with the lateral canthal region lying posterior and slightly superior, and the zygomatic eminence providing a lateral bony backdrop. Subcutaneous planes in this area include the orbicularis retaining ligament and the transition between lower eyelid fat and malar soft tissue. Clinically, this contour is the surface correlate of the tear trough and lid cheek junction that becomes more apparent with age-related descent of malar fat, attenuation of orbicularis support, and relative prominence of the orbital fat pads. Surgeons planning lower blepharoplasty, canthopexy, or midface lifting use the infrapalpebral sulcus to judge lower lid support and to avoid creating a postoperative step-off or lower lid retraction. Injectors working with hyaluronic acid fillers also rely on this landmark to stay superficial to the infraorbital vessels and nerve as they approach the infraorbital rim, and to appreciate where edema and malar mounds commonly declare themselves. Small changes matter. Use this lateral female view for teaching facial surface anatomy in head and neck courses, for ophthalmic plastics and cosmetic surgery atlases, and for patient education materials explaining tear trough deformity, lower eyelid bags, and periocular rejuvenation options. It also suits dermatology and aesthetic medicine publications that need a clean reference for the infrapalpebral sulcus and adjacent periocular landmarks. Anatomical accuracy verified by SciePro's Medical Advisory Board.