Anatomy and imaging of the deep fat of the face.

The aim of this study is to investigate the deep adipose structures of the face. This study is undertaken on anatomical material dissected or sectioned in the three basic planes and in histological sections. The buccal fat pad is described with its main part and its various extensions implicating several superficial and deep regions of the face. Likewise, the parapharyngeal fat pad in the prestyloid space is described. The histology of the structures is discussed, together with the non-mobilizable nature of the fat. Imaging by MRI shows the shape and relations of these fat pads with the neighboring viscera and muscles and their role as early markers in tumor invasion. Finally, their function, as an intermuscular sliding structure, is highlighted. Copyright 2000 Wiley-Liss, Inc.