Foundations
Applied Cervical Anatomy
The layers and noble structures you need to master.
In the neck, the SMAS equivalent is the platysma. Just as we work in the sub-SMAS plane in the face, in the neck we work in the subplatysmal plane.
Neck Layers
| Structure | Depth | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Skin | Superficial | External coverage |
| Subcutaneous Fat | Superficial | Variable by biotype |
| Platysma | Superficial | Thin muscle, cervical equivalent of SMAS |
| Subplatysmal Fat | Deep | Main Deep Neck target |
| Digastric | Deep | Anterior belly - heavy neck villain |
| Mylohyoid | Deep | Central floor |
| Deep Cervical Fascia | Deep | Fasciotomy target |
| Submandibular Gland | Deep | NEVER removed |
Noble Structures
Marginal Nerve
Location: Mandibular border
Risk: Lip paralysis
Protection: Avoid deep proximal dissection
External Jugular
Location: Lateral over SCM
Risk: Bleeding
Protection: Identify and preserve
Facial Artery/Vein
Location: Near gland
Risk: Bleeding
Protection: Don't touch gland
Wharton's Duct
Location: Near gland
Risk: Sialocele
Protection: Don't touch gland