REGIONAL ANESTHETIC BLOCKS IN FACIAL AND PERIOCULAR AESTHETIC PROCEDURES: AN UPDATED REVIEW OF ULTRASOUND-GUIDED TECHNIQUES, SONOANATOMY, AND CLINICAL APPLICATIONS

Introduction: the use of regional anesthetic blocks in facial and periocular aesthetic procedures has expanded significantly with the advancement of ultrasound-guided techniques and a deeper understanding of facial sonoanatomy. These approaches aim to enhance patient comfort, procedural safety, and postoperative recovery. Objective: to analyze recent evidence on the application of regional anesthetic blocks in facial and periocular aesthetic procedures, emphasizing ultrasound-guided techniques, analgesic efficacy, and practical clinical recommendations. Methods: an integrative literature review was conducted in PubMed, Virtual Health Library (BVS), EuropePMC, and open-access repositories (PMC and MDPI) covering studies published between 2020 and 2025. Ten studies that met the inclusion criteria were analyzed according to technique, target nerves, ultrasound use, outcomes, and safety considerations. Results: the reviewed studies demonstrated that ultrasound-guided facial and periocular nerve blocks provide precise anesthesia, reduce intra- and postoperative complications, and improve pain control and patient satisfaction. The infraorbital, supraorbital, supratrochlear, and auriculotemporal nerves were the most frequently targeted, particularly in rhinoplasty, blepharoplasty, and filler procedures. Conclusion: regional anesthetic blocks are effective and safe alternatives for facial and periocular aesthetic procedures. Ultrasound guidance significantly enhances accuracy and safety, consolidating these blocks as an essential component of modern multimodal anesthesia. Standardized techniques and professional training are essential to expand their clinical use and ensure consistent outcomes.