ABSTRACT
The face, with its diverse ability to portray emotions whilst communicating, is one of the most uniquely recognizable areas of the human body. An increasing interest in facial aesthetics, coupled with considerable research, has extended our understanding of the facial layers and the subtle physical variations resulting from underlying bone structure and genetic factors. The skin represents the superficial layer of the face and is an important indicator of age. In youth, the skin is smooth, firm, unblemished, and retains a uniform texture. The skin may be histologically divided into epidermis and dermis, with the dermis consisting of collagen, elastic fibers, and ground substance comprising mucopolysaccharides, hyaluronic acid, and chondroitin sulphate. Superficial fat is understood to be separated into unique compartments, which are divided by fascial septae containing vascular structures. The superficial fat compartments comprise the nasolabial, medial, middle, and lateral temporal-cheek, central, middle, and lateral temporal-cheek and superior, inferior, and lateral orbital fat pads.
