Mandible
Lower Third
The mandibular region and neck transition. Jowl anatomy and critical structures.
Key Structures
Mandibular Ligament
Bone insertion at inferior mandibular border. Main cause of jowl.
Management: Obligatory release in lifting
Jowl Fat
Fat herniating over the mandibular ligament with aging.
Management: Repositioning, not removal
Marginal Nerve
Motor branch of facial nerve. Innervates lip depressors.
Management: Absolute protection - identify first
Platysma
Superficial neck muscle inserting at mandible.
Management: Plication and repositioning
Risk Zones
Zone I
Low RiskCentral submental region
Structures: Digastric, platysma
Zone II
High RiskLateral submandibular region
Structures: Marginal nerve, facial vessels
Zone III
Medium RiskPre-auricular region
Structures: Facial branches, SMAS