Why are Ligaments of the Face Important to Know?
The retaining ligaments of the face are important in understanding concepts of facial aging and rejuvenation. They are located in constant anatomic locations where they separate facial spaces and compartments. Their superficial extensions form subcutaneous septa that separate facial fat compartments. Their main significance relates to their surgical release in order to achieve the desired aesthetic outcome.
In addition to vascular and nerve structures, retaining ligaments and fat compartments are relevant for aesthetic surgeons when performing tissue augmentation. Retaining ligaments are important in attaching superficial fascia and dermis to underlying structures.
- Facial aging and rejuvenation: Understanding the retaining ligaments is crucial for comprehending how the face ages and how to approach rejuvenation procedures.
- Anatomic locations and compartments: The ligaments are indeed located in consistent anatomic positions and help define facial spaces and compartments.
- Subcutaneous septa: The superficial extensions of these ligaments form septa that separate facial fat compartments.
- Surgical significance: Their release during surgery is often necessary to achieve desired aesthetic outcomes.
- Relevance for tissue augmentation: Knowledge of ligaments and fat compartments is crucial for aesthetic surgeons performing filler injections or fat grafting.
- Attachment function: The ligaments play a key role in attaching superficial fascia and dermis to deeper structures.
Additional important points to consider:
- Facial nerve protection: The ligaments serve as important landmarks for identifying and protecting facial nerve branches during surgery[1].
- Maintaining facial identity: Preserving certain ligaments during facelift procedures can help maintain a patient’s facial identity[5].
- Age-related changes: Understanding how these ligaments change with age (e.g., weakening or stretching) is crucial for addressing signs of aging[2].
- Biomechanical properties: Different ligaments have varying strengths and elasticities, which influence how facial tissues age and respond to surgical manipulation[3].
- Non-surgical treatments: Knowledge of facial ligaments is also important for non-surgical rejuvenation techniques, such as thread lifts or certain filler placement strategies[2][4].
Citations:
[1] https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23855010/
[2] https://www.dovepress.com/treating-aging-changes-of-facial-anatomical-layers-with-hyaluronic-aci-peer-reviewed-fulltext-article-CCID
[3] https://www.liebertpub.com/doi/10.1001/archfaci.2011.1533
[4] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8697340/
[5] https://aesthetic-reconstructive-surgery.imedpub.com/anatomical-determinants-of-facial-identity-the-central-importance-of-retaining-ligaments-and-smas.php?aid=18383