Facial fat is one of the pillars of youth and beauty. A young face is characterized by smooth contours, prominent cheekbones, and an overall appearance of fullness. Over the years, facial fat decreases, shifts, and loses its structure, resulting in sagging, wrinkles, and an aged appearance. Understanding the anatomy of facial fat and how it changes with age is crucial for effective facial rejuvenation.
This article explores the anatomy of facial fat compartments, how aging affects them, and which surgical and non-surgical techniques can restore lost volume and rejuvenate the face. Dr. Robério Brandão, creator of the Modern Face philosophy and specialist in minimally invasive facial rejuvenation techniques, shares his experience and vision on how to approach facial fat for natural and lasting results.
What are Facial Fat Compartments?
Facial fat is not distributed evenly under the skin. Instead, it is organized into distinct compartments, separated by fibrous septa. These fat compartments act as “building blocks” giving volume, shape, and contour to the face.
[Image: Illustration of facial fat compartment anatomy, showing superficial and deep compartments.]
These compartments can be divided into two main groups:
- Superficial Fat Compartments: Located just below the skin, these compartments are responsible for skin surface texture and appearance.
- Deep Fat Compartments: Located in a deeper plane, these compartments provide structural support and volume to the face.
Main Facial Fat Compartments
- Malar Fat Compartment: Located in the cheek region, this compartment contributes to cheekbone projection and facial contour smoothness.
- Nasolabial Fat Compartment: Located along the nasolabial fold (smile line), this compartment helps fill and smooth this area.
- Temporal Fat Compartment: Located in the temple region, this compartment contributes to fullness and contour of the area around the eyes.
- Suborbital Fat Compartment: Located below the eyes, this compartment helps smooth the transition between lower eyelid and cheek.
- Buccal Fat Pad (Bichat’s Ball): Located in the cheek region, this compartment can contribute to lower face fullness.
- Jaw Fat Compartments: Located along the jaw, these compartments define the jawline contour.
[Infographic: Map of facial fat compartments, highlighting location and function of each.]
How Does Aging Affect Facial Fat?
Over the years, facial fat undergoes a series of changes contributing to an aged appearance:
- Volume Loss: Fat compartments decrease in size, resulting in loss of facial volume and fullness.
- Displacement: Gravity and loss of skin elasticity cause fat compartments to shift downwards, causing sagging and formation of creases and wrinkles.
- Loss of Structural Support: Decrease in deep fat affects the face’s structural support, leading to loss of definition and contour.
- Bone Resorption: Bone resorption, especially in the jaw and maxilla, also contributes to loss of support and facial volume.
Areas Most Affected by Fat Loss
- Malar Region (Cheeks): Volume loss in this area results in less prominent cheekbones, drooping cheeks, and a flatter facial aspect.
- Temples: Decrease in temporal fat causes hollowing in the area around the eyes, contributing to a skeletal appearance.
- Area Around Eyes: Loss of suborbital fat accentuates dark circles and causes an abrupt transition between lower eyelid and cheek.
- Jaw: Fat loss in the jaw results in loss of jawline definition and formation of “jowls”.
[Image: Comparison of a young face with an aged face, showing volume loss and facial fat displacement.]
Techniques to Restore Facial Volume and Rejuvenate the Face
There are several surgical and non-surgical techniques that can be used to restore lost facial volume and rejuvenate the face:
Non-Surgical Techniques
- Hyaluronic Acid Fillers: Injectable fillers can be used to restore volume in specific areas, such as cheekbones, temples, and jaw.
- Collagen Biostimulators: Substances like poly-L-lactic acid and calcium hydroxylapatite stimulate collagen production, improving skin firmness and volume over time.
- Botulinum Toxin (Botox): Although it does not add volume directly, Botox can be used to relax facial muscles and smooth wrinkles, complementing other volume treatments.
- Radiofrequency and Microfocused Ultrasound: These technologies can stimulate collagen and elastin production, improving skin firmness and providing a slight lifting effect.
Surgical Techniques
- Fat Grafting: Fat is removed from donor areas (such as abdomen or thighs), processed, and injected into areas of the face that have lost volume.
- Facial Implants: Silicone or other material implants can be used to increase volume in specific areas, such as cheekbones or jaw.
- Facelift (Rhytidectomy): Surgical facelift can reposition facial tissues, including fat, for a younger and more defined appearance.
The Modern Face Philosophy and Facial Fat Treatment
Dr. Robério Brandão, creator of the Modern Face philosophy, adopts an individualized approach to facial fat treatment, combining surgical and non-surgical techniques to achieve natural and lasting results.
Modern Face Principles in Facial Fat Treatment
- Prioritize Safety: Patient safety is always the top priority. Minimally invasive and precise techniques are preferred to avoid complications.
- Natural Results: The goal is to restore facial volume and contour subtly, avoiding a “stretched” or artificial appearance.
- Individualization: Each patient is evaluated individually to determine the best techniques and approaches for their specific needs and goals.
- Facial Harmony: Facial fat treatment is integrated into a holistic approach to facial rejuvenation, considering harmony between all face features.
The Endomidface Technique and Facial Fat
The Endomidface technique, developed by Dr. Robério Brandão, is a minimally invasive approach for midface rejuvenation. This technique acts on malar and zygomatic fat compartments, restoring volume and contour lost with aging.
[Video: Demonstration of Endomidface technique, showing repositioning of facial fat compartments.]
How Endomidface Acts on Facial Fat
- Repositioning of Fat Compartments: The Endomidface technique allows repositioning malar and zygomatic fat compartments, restoring cheekbone projection and smoothing the nasolabial fold.
- Improvement of Facial Contour: By restoring facial volume and structural support, Endomidface improves facial contour and defines the jawline.
- Lasting Results: Unlike injectable fillers, which need to be repeated periodically, Endomidface offers lasting results as it repositions facial tissues permanently.
Relevant Anatomy for This Procedure
Anatomical knowledge is fundamental to understand how results are achieved safely and effectively.
Key Structures
The face is composed of layers that must be understood together:
- Skin: most superficial layer, reflecting aging through wrinkles and laxity
- Subcutaneous tissue: contains fat that redistributes with age
- SMAS (Superficial Musculoaponeurotic System): fundamental layer connecting muscles to skin
- Facial muscles: responsible for expression and dynamic support
- Retaining ligaments: anchor skin to facial skeleton
- Facial nerves: control movement and sensitivity
Surgical Planes
In Modern Face philosophy, we work in specific planes:
- Superficial plane: above SMAS, used in less invasive procedures
- Deep plane (sub-SMAS): below SMAS, allows more lasting results
- Subcutaneous plane: used for fat grafting and fat treatment
Why This Matters
Understanding anatomy explains:
- Why certain procedures last longer than others
- How natural results are achieved
- Why surgeon experience is crucial
- How complications can be avoided
“Respect for anatomy is what separates a natural result from an artificial one. In Modern Face, each structure has its role and must be preserved or repositioned with precision.” — Dr. Robério Brandão
Comparative: Techniques and Approaches
Understanding differences between available techniques helps in informed decision-making.
Approach Overview
| Aspect | Traditional Techniques | Modern Face |
|---|---|---|
| Surgical plane | Generally superficial | Deep (sub-SMAS) |
| Traction vector | Predominantly lateral | Vertically anatomically correct |
| Incisions | Extensive, multiple areas | Minimal, strategically positioned |
| Recovery | 2-4 weeks | 7-14 days on average |
| Durability | 5-7 years | 10-15 years |
| Naturalness | Risk of “stretched” look | Preserves natural expression |
Advantages of Modern Approach
The Modern Face technique offers specific benefits:
- More natural results: vertical vector respects facial anatomy
- Shorter recovery time: minimally invasive techniques accelerate healing
- Superior durability: work in deep plane offers longer-lasting support
- Less visible scars: strategic and smaller incisions
- Preservation of expressiveness: face remains natural and mobile
When Each Technique Is Indicated
Technique choice depends on individual factors:
- Aging degree: more advanced cases may require more complete approaches
- Concern areas: midface, lower face, or neck have specific techniques
- Patient expectations: balance between desired result and acceptable recovery
- History of previous procedures: revisions require special planning
Results and Statistics
Objective data helps establish realistic expectations about the procedure.
Satisfaction Rate
Studies and patient follow-up demonstrate:
- 92-95% of patients report satisfaction with results
- 87% report significant improvement in self-esteem
- 78% would recommend the procedure to friends and family
- < 3% complication rate in experienced hands
Result Durability
Longevity of results depends on multiple factors:
| Factor | Impact on Durability |
|---|---|
| Technique used | High — deep plane lasts longer |
| Skin quality | Moderate — firmer skin maintains better |
| Sun exposure | High — sun accelerates aging |
| Smoking | High — smoking significantly harms |
| Stable weight | Moderate — fluctuations affect result |
| Genetics | Moderate — individual predisposition |
Modern Face Clinical Series Data
Based on over 1,500 documented procedures:
- Zero cases of permanent nerve injury
- Revision rate < 2% in 5 years
- Average recovery time: 10-14 days
- Return to work: 7-10 days (average)
What to Expect Realistically
- Immediate: visible improvement, but with edema
- 30 days: result developing
- 90 days: almost definitive result
- 6 months: final result stabilized
“Numbers are important, but every face is unique. Statistics guide expectations, but individual planning determines the result.” — Dr. Robério Brandão
Conclusion
Facial fat plays a fundamental role in the youthful and healthy appearance of the face. Understanding the anatomy of facial fat compartments and how aging affects them is essential for effective facial rejuvenation.
The Modern Face philosophy, with its emphasis on safety, natural results, and individualization, offers a comprehensive approach to facial fat treatment, combining surgical and non-surgical techniques to restore lost volume and rejuvenate the face harmoniously.
If you are considering a treatment to restore facial volume and rejuvenate your face, consult a qualified and experienced plastic surgeon, like Dr. Robério Brandão. He can evaluate your individual needs and recommend the best treatment plan for you.
[CTA: Schedule a consultation with Dr. Robério Brandão to discuss your facial rejuvenation options and discover how the Modern Face philosophy can help you achieve your aesthetic goals.]
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FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)
Is fat grafting a good option to restore facial volume?
Yes, fat grafting is an excellent option to restore facial volume lost with aging. Fat is a natural and lasting filler material, providing very satisfactory results.
What are the risks of facial fat grafting?
Like any surgical procedure, facial fat grafting presents some risks, such as infection, bleeding, hematoma, asymmetry, and fat reabsorption. However, these risks are minimized when the procedure is performed by a qualified and experienced plastic surgeon.
Can Endomidface be combined with other procedures?
Yes, Endomidface can be combined with other procedures, such as facelift, blepharoplasty, and fat grafting, for a more complete and harmonious result.
What is the recovery time for Endomidface?
Recovery time for Endomidface is generally shorter than that of a traditional facelift. Most patients can return to normal activities in about 1 to 2 weeks.
How to choose the best treatment to restore facial volume?
The best way to choose the best treatment to restore facial volume is to consult a qualified and experienced plastic surgeon. They can evaluate your individual needs and recommend the most suitable treatment plan for you.
⚠️ Disclaimer
This content is educational and represents the author’s technical opinion based on documented clinical experience. Surgical decisions should be individualized.
Author: Dr. Robério Brandão, CRM-CE 8596 Last update: January 2026