The Retaining System of the Face: Histologic Evaluation of the Septal Boundaries of the Subcutaneous Fat Compartments

These findings support the concept that subcutaneous fat is compartmentalized, specifically by fascial condensations that travel from superficial fascia to dermis. These septa form an interconnecting framework that limits shearing forces on the face. This framework provides a "retaining system" for the human face. Implicit in this concept is the suggestion that the face ages three dimensionally, with separate compartments changing relative to one another by both position and volume.