RESEARCH ROUNDUP

Our understanding of facial anatomy has changed over the past decade, and, with the rising number of minimally-invasive procedures available in this sector, the need for greater knowledge of facial anatomy is paramount in order to ensure patient safety and effective treatment.

This narrative review study examined and analysed the existing literature on facial fat compartments and presented this, along with the authors' experiences, to provide a study that summarises the current understanding of superficial and deep facial fat compartments and their relevance in minimally-invasive facial procedures.

This study suggests that the face is arranged into five layers: 1, the skin; 2, subcutaneous fat; 3, superficial musculo-aponeurotic system; 4, deep fat, and 5, periosteum or deep fascia. However, the authors state that this arrangement varies between facial regions, especially when the line of ligaments is incorporated into the model. The authors state that the facial fat compartments are located in layers 2 and 4, and that each layer of the face has unique characteristics and spatial relationships with the surrounding tissues.