Infrapalpebral Sulcus, Anterior View, Black

Description

Centered on the lower eyelid, the infrapalpebral sulcus is rendered as a shallow groove running inferior to the tarsal plate and parallel to the palpebral margin, extending from near the medial canthus toward the lateral canthus. Superiorly lie the palpebral fissure and upper eyelid, while inferiorly the contour transitions onto the infraorbital region over the anterior maxilla and toward the malar eminence. Deep to the skin, the expected anatomic substrate includes the pretarsal and preseptal orbicularis oculi, the orbital septum, and the inferior orbital rim, with the sulcus marking the surface interplay between lower eyelid soft tissue and the upper cheek. Symmetry is emphasized. A clean anterior reference. For periocular assessment, this surface landmark matters because it approximates the clinical tear trough (nasojugal groove) and helps map where orbital fat prolapse, lower lid edema, and lid cheek junction descent become visible with aging or volume loss. In blepharoplasty planning and in hyaluronic acid filler placement along the infraorbital rim, knowing the sulcus location helps avoid overfilling, contour irregularity, and adverse events related to the infraorbital vessels and nerve emerging from the infraorbital foramen. Skin of color adds a practical layer, since post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation and scar visibility influence incision choice and patient counseling in lower eyelid surgery and resurfacing. Use this image as a reference plate in facial anatomy and dermatologic surgery teaching, including modules on eyelid anatomy, tear trough deformity, and cosmetic injection mapping. It also fits well in ophthalmic plastics publications, patient education materials on lower lid blepharoplasty, and comparative anatomy sets that address how periocular landmarks present across different skin tones and facial morphologies. Anatomical accuracy verified by SciePro's Medical Advisory Board.