Dissection Planes
Surgical Spaces
The "corridors" of dissection. Knowing them is key to safe surgery.
The face has natural anatomical spaces — cleavage planes where tissues separate easily and, more importantly, safely. Dissecting within these spaces minimizes bleeding and nerve injury risk.
Space Map
| Space | Region | Description | Safety |
|---|---|---|---|
| Subgaleal Space | Upper Third | Between galea and periosteum. Avascular dissection plane for Browlift. | High |
| Superficial Temporal Space | Temple | Between STF and deep temporal fascia. Contains temporal fat. | High |
| Pre-Zygomatic Space | Midface | Between SMAS and zygomatic periosteum. Main Endomidface portal. | High |
| Pre-Masseteric Space | Lateral Midface | Lateral to zygomatic major. Access to ligaments. | Medium |
| Buccal Space | Middle/Lower Third | Contains buccal fat pad. Transition zone. | Low |
| Sub-SMAS Space | Lower Face | Deep to SMAS. Contains facial branches. | Low |
| Subplatysmal Space | Neck | Deep to platysma. Access to cervical structures. | Medium |