Aging Process of Lateral Facial Fat Compartments: A Retrospective Study

Abstract

Background Since 2007, when the anatomy of facial fat compartment was described, an increasing number of studies on the aging process of the compartment of cadavers has emerged. Objectives The authors evaluated the aging changes of lateral facial fat compartments on the same person. Methods Sixty-three patients were included in this retrospective study. All patients had magnetic resonance imaging scans with at least 4 years apart. The authors targeted the fat compartments of the superficial temporal, subcutaneous temporal, and buccal fat pad, comparing the data on different time points. Results The thickness of the subcutaneous temporal fat did not change significantly. The 3 diameters of the superficial temporal fat compartment all became thinner on the axial view (P < 0.05). On the sagittal view, the superficial temporal fat elongated from 38.89 mm to 43.74 mm (P < 0.05). The buccal fat compartment also lengthened from 68.73 mm to 74.39 mm (P < 0.05) and had a positive correlation with follow-up duration only. Conclusions The study revealed the fat compartment change on the same person with time. The temporal hollow mainly originates from the thinner part of the superficial temporal fat. The descending of the buccal fat pad aggravates the labiomandibular fold. By understanding the aging process more fully, we can rejuvenate our patients more naturally.

Effectiveness of bandage in the incidence of major complications on bichectomy: literature review and case series of 643 bichectomies

“…Nevertheless, in 1989, there was a hypothesis that buccal fat pad removal could achieve a better result against facial aging [20]. One of the causes of facial flaccidity would be the weight of the fat pad on the buccal region [42], generating and deepening nasolabial sulcus [43], and the removal of fat would decrease this weight, generating a delay of flaccidity and consequent later facial aging, achieving a more natural rejuvenation process. Even in patients where the buccal fat pad was used in oncologic reconstructions, with a superior quantity of fat removal, there are no facial sagging reports, aging [17], asymmetry [38], or any other esthetic sequelae [40].…”

Bitemporal Obesity: An Overlooked Sign of Visceral Obesity?

“…While bitemporal obesity describes a temporal convexity, the bitemporal concavity is described as a temporal hollowing [7]. It is important to point out that temporal fat size is altered by aging, chronic corticosteroid use, hormonal replacement therapy, and following menopausal transition [8]. Further to this, unilateral temporal prominence has been previously described in patients with TFP lipoma [9,10].…”

Delayed buccal lipogranuloma formed by grafted fat migration following temporal fat filling

“…Understanding the link between aging process and the height of the buccal fat pad above zygoma will also contribute to employing the bone-touching technique. 5 Based on the complex anatomical structures of the temporal part, the multiplane, small amount, and multi-tunnels technique to address deep and superficial planes can minimize the occurrence of this complication with anatomical point of view. 6 As for the delayed lipogranuloma formation, the foreign reaction to nonvascularized fat grafts, rather than the endogenous mechanism (allergic reactions), could be the main potential triggers.…”