The inferior labial vein drains the lower lip and mental region, running in the submucosa of the lower lip and anastomosing with the superior labial vein at the commissure before draining into the facial vein. It lies in close proximity to the marginal mandibular branch of the facial nerve.
The inferior labial vein is relevant in lower lip reconstruction and in the surgical anatomy of the marginal mandibular nerve. During submental incision and lip-splitting approaches for access to the mandible and floor of mouth, the inferior labial vein must be identified and ligated for haemostasis. Mental nerve blocks for lower lip anaesthesia are performed at the mental foramen just inferior to the premolars, in close proximity to the inferior labial vein branches.
Mental nerve block injection at the mental foramen risks inadvertent intravascular injection or laceration of the inferior labial vein branch, producing lip haematoma and risk of local anaesthetic toxicity from intravascular injection; aspiration before injection and slow deposition of anaesthetic reduces the risk.
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