The fascial planes of the temple and face: an en-bloc anatomical study and a plea for consistency

Abstract

Many investigators have detailed the soft tissue anatomy of the face. Despite the broad reference base, confusion remains about the consistent nature of the fascial anatomy of the craniofacial soft tissue envelope in relation to the muscular, neurovascular and specialised structures. This confusion is compounded by the lack of consistent terminology. This study presents a coherent account of the fascial planes of the temple and midface. Ten fresh cadaveric facial halves were dissected, in a level-by-level approach, to display the fascial anatomy of the midface and temporal region. The contralateral 10 facial halves were coronally sectioned through the zygomatic arch at a consistent point anterior to the tragus. These sections were histologically prepared to demonstrate the fascial anatomy en-bloc with the skeletal and specialised soft tissues. Three generic subcutaneous fascial layers consistently characterise the face and temporal regions, and remain in continuity across the zygomatic arch. These three layers are the superficial musculo-aponeurotic system (SMAS), the innominate fascia, and the muscular fasciae. The many inconsistent names previously given to these layers reflect their regional specialisation in the temple, zygomatic area, and midface. Appreciation of the consistency of these layers, which are in continuity with the layers of the scalp, greatly facilitates an understanding of applied craniofacial soft tissue anatomy.