In a recent issue of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, researchers challenge previously held theories regarding aging and facelifts.

Researchers found that contrary to previous belief, when the human face ages it doesn't necessarily mean the entire face needs a lift.

New Findings

Researchers from UT Southwestern Medical Center found that there are multiple compartments of fat in the face that age at different rates.

“For hundreds of years, everyone has believed that the fat on the face is one confluent mass, which eventually gets weighed down by gravity, creating sagging skin,” explains Dr. Joel Pessa, the head of the conducted study. “In our studies, we were surprised to find that this is not the case.”

The Study

During the study, surgeons injected different dyes into facial cavities and after 24 hours of setting, the dye settled in certain areas, not over the entire face.

The study proved that facial compartments have boundaries that act as fences.

The fat divides around the forehead, eyes, cheeks and mouth.

Where the aging occurs on the face enables us to see how the fat compartments changed over time and the ways in which they distributed the fat.

How the Study May Improve Plastic Surgery

The researchers say this study could have a huge impact on how plastic surgeons detect trouble areas on the face.

Chairman of the plastic surgery and senior author study, Dr. Rod Rohrich, also believes it could help develop new cosmetic and reconstructive surgery treatments and techniques.

“Understanding how fat is compartmentalized will allow us to be very accurate and precise in how we approach facial rejuvenation,” explains Dr. Pessa.

(Source: Health News Digest)

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