Anat Biol Anthropol.  2025 Sep;38(3):145-152. 10.11637/aba.2025.38.3.145.

Anatomical Importance of Fat Compartments in Facial Aging: A Review

• Nam KI
• Shin S
• Song J

• KMID: 2574923
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.11637/aba.2025.38.3.145

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.

Keyword

Aged face; Fat compartment; Superficial fat pad; Deep fat pad