Anatomical and clinical implications of the deep and superficial fat compartments of the neck

Summary: Anatomical study has proven vital to the understanding and improvement of rejuvenation techniques of the face and neck. The microscopic septa responsible for individual facial fat compartments are also present in the neck. The authors' anatomical studies of the neck, including supraplatysmal and subplatysmal elements, have influenced their surgical and nonsurgical techniques. Careful muscular resuspension and modification of both deep and superficial fat compartments can lead to impressive and lasting aesthetic outcomes. The authors present their algorithm and approach to both surgical and noninvasive methods for aesthetic neck contouring. The discussion contained here is augmented by video footage of injected, fresh cadaver dissection that highlights the anatomical relationships of neck fat compartments discussed in this article.