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Anatomical Importance of Fat Compartments in Facial Aging: A Review

  • Anatomy & Biological Anthropology
  • Abbr : Anat Biol Anthropol
  • 2025, 38(3), pp.145~152
  • Publisher : 대한체질인류학회
  • Research Area : Medicine and Pharmacy > Anatomy
  • Received : August 18, 2025
  • Accepted : September 15, 2025
  • Published : September 30, 2025

Nam Kwang Il 1 Shamshik Shin 2 Song Juhyun ORD ID 1

1전남대학교
2뷰티스맑은피부과의원

Accredited

ABSTRACT

The face comprises five histological layers: skin, subcutaneous fat, the superficial musculoaponeurotic system, a deep fat layer, and the periosteum. Facial aging is characterized by progressive bone resorption, connective-tissue remodeling, loss of skin tone, and redistribution of fat. Repetitive muscular contraction and ligamentous strain promote superficial fat redistribution around deep wrinkles, crow’s feet, and perioral folds, whereas deep fat undergoes both atrophy and ptosis. The face contains several fat compartments, including the nasolabial fold fat pad, buccal fat pad, medial cheek fat pad, infraorbital fat pad, lateral temporal cheek fat pad, and medial temporal fat pad. Depending on depth, these pads are further classified as superficial or deep fat pads. With advancing age, the degree of sagging is dictated by the intrinsic properties of each compartment and the regional density of connective tissue. Consequently, an individualized therapeutic strategy is required for each compartment. This review summarizes age-related changes in the facial fat compartments and underscores their importance in the clinical management of facial aging.

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