Anatomical study of superficial fascia and localized fat deposits of abdomen

Abstract

Background:The development of liposuction and abdominoplasty has renewed interest in the anatomy of the localized fat deposits (LFD) areas of the abdomen. This study aims at ascertaining the gross anatomy of superficial fascia and the localized fat deposits of abdomen.Materials and Methods:Eight adult cadavers (four males and four females) were dissected. Attachments, number of layers of fascia and colour, shape and maximum size of the fat lobules in loin, and upper and lower abdomen were noted. Thickness of deep membranous layer of superficial fascia of upper abdomen and lower abdomen were measured by metal casing electronic digital calipers, with resolution being 10 μm. The independent sample t-test, ANOVA for comparison and Pearson coefficient for correlation were used.Results:Superficial fascia of the abdomen was multilayered in the midline and number of layers reduced laterally. The shape, size, color, and arrangement of fat lobules were different in different locations. The thickness of the fascia of the lower abdomen in males (mean 528.336 ± SE38.48) was significantly (P < 0.041) more than that in females. (Mean 390.822 ± SE36.24). Pearson correlation between thickness of the membranous layer of the upper and lower abdomen revealed moderately positive correlation (r=0.718; P<0.045).Conclusions:The LFD in the central region of the abdomen corresponds to the area of multilayered fascia with smaller fat lobules. The relatively thinner supporting fascia of the lower abdomen in females may be responsible for excessive bulges of the lower abdomen. The fat lobule anatomy at different sites under study was different.

Gross anatomy of superficial fascia and future localised fat deposit areas of the abdomen in foetus

“…We didn't find any difference in attachment and layers of superficial fascia in the foetus as compared with that in adults [ Table 1 and Figure 1]. [11] Study of 50 computed tomography [12] of the abdominal region of either sex the vertical and horizontal extent of membranous layer supports our findings of fascial attachments.…”

“…A study of the anatomy of the superficial fascia in fresh and embalmed cadavers in adults has been conducted by various authors. [9][10][11] In the present study on four foetuses' cadaver of 4 months gestational age, we found that superficial fascia of the abdomen was multi layered in mid line and number of layers gradually reduced laterally as these layers merged with each other. We didn't find any difference in attachment and layers of superficial fascia in the foetus as compared with that in adults [ Table 1 and Figure 1].…”

“…The shape of the corresponding loin area was spindle shaped [11] on the trunk of foetus that were used to dissect fascia and localised fat deposits (…”

Advocacy and mass education in plastic surgery: Efforts and outcomes

“…[1] APSI may invite media personnel on an awareness trip to well-established centres to see a variety of procedures and the necessity of plastic surgeon in trauma centres, burn care, as reconstructive surgeons in trauma, congenital and oncological surgeries besides their role as an aesthetic surgeon. [5] We should encourage media personnel to project a real picture to the general public and publicise the various conditions in which plastic surgeons play a role. [7] Innovative ways of reaching the public must be sought and implemented.…”

“…Kumar et al . [5] felt that plastic surgery department must be developed in all colleges in India, and medical students and surgical residents must be rotated for at least a week or two as part of their training program.…”