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. 2009 Nov;23(4):288-91.
doi: 10.1055/s-0029-1242180.

The submental fat compartment of the neck

Daniel A Hatef  1 , John C Koshy, Safa E Sandoval, Anthony P Echo, Shayan A Izaddoost, Larry H Hollier
Affiliations

The submental fat compartment of the neck

Daniel A Hatef et al. Semin Plast Surg. 2009 Nov.

Abstract

The anatomic understanding of the superficial compartments of the head and neck are evolving. Recently, studies have shown that the superficial fat is sequestered into separate "compartments"; however, the superficial anatomy of the submental region of the neck has yet to be defined, and improved understanding of this area may lead to advances in our ability to rejuvenate the neck. This cadaveric investigation revealed that there is one superficial fat compartment in the submental region. The anterior boundary of this compartment, previously without name, has been labeled the "submental septum." The posterior boundary of the submental fat compartment is created by a septum that arises from the platysma at a point superficial to the hyoid. Because this area is over the hyoid, it has been named the "suprahyoid septum." The lateral septal boundaries have been labeled the "digastric septae."

Keywords: Submental fat; fat compartments; neck rejuvenation; submentoplasty.

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Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Anteroposterior view of the submental compartment bounded anteriorly by the submental crease and posteriorly by the submandibular angle.
Figure 2
Figure 2
Lateral view of the submental fat compartment.
Figure 3
Figure 3
Laterally, the compartment is bounded by what appears to be a caudal continuation of the labiomandibular fold, located just medial to the lateral jawline.
Figure 4
Figure 4
Injection of the latex solution into the external carotid artery highlighted the submental artery perforators.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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