Retaining ligaments of the face: what they are

Retaining ligaments are bands of fibrous tissue that anchor the skin and soft layers of the face to bone or deep fascia. They work as attachment points: they hold the skin, fat, and superficial muscle in place and divide the face into compartments.

Among the most cited are the zygomatic ligament, the orbicularis retaining ligament (around the orbit), the masseteric ligaments, and the mandibular ligament. Names and classification vary a little between authors, but the idea is the same: they are the "stitches" that hold the soft tissues.

Why do the ligaments matter in orofacial harmonization (HOF)?

With aging, the tissues between the ligaments lose volume and firmness, while the attachment points stay relatively anchored. The result is depressions and folds exactly along the lines of the ligaments. This helps explain the tear trough, the transition between the eyelid and the cheek, smile lines, and marionette lines, with tissue accumulating above them.

Understanding this architecture changes how the plan is reasoned. Instead of filling the fold, the professional often considers restoring support in anchoring areas, such as the cheekbone, to reduce the weight on the ligament. Strategy, product, and volume are defined by the qualified professional, after assessment.

What precautions apply to these areas?

The areas near the ligaments concentrate vascular structures and fat compartments that change in thickness with age. For this reason, anatomical knowledge is part of procedural safety, and hyaluronidase must be available when hyaluronic acid is used.

In Harmy

In the marking, points such as Cheekbone, Tear Trough, and Jawline sit over areas tied to these ligaments. Combining points in the same projection helps explain to the patient why treating support can soften the fold.

Also called: retaining ligaments, supporting ligaments of the face.