Temporal fat pads: superficial and deep
- Highlighted area
Quick facts
- Definition
- Fat deposits between the fascial layers of the temple, just above the zygomatic arch.
- Superficial fat pad
- Also called the intermediate pad; it sits between the superficial and deep laminae of the deep temporal fascia.
- Deep fat pad
- Sits below the deep temporal fascia, over the temporalis muscle; it is an extension of the buccal fat pad.
- With aging
- They lose volume along with the temporalis muscle, which hollows the temple and sharpens the bony contour.
- Relevance in facial harmonization
- They explain the hollow temple and help in understanding the layers and vessels of the area.
The temporal fat pads are fat deposits located between the fasciae of the temporal region, just above the zygomatic arch. Anatomy describes two main ones: the superficial pad (also called the intermediate pad), between the two laminae of the deep temporal fascia, and the deep pad, below that fascia and over the temporalis muscle. Loss of these volumes is one of the causes of the hollow temple, a concern covered in temples.
Where are the layers of the temple?
The temple has many layers in a small space. The order below is simplified and nomenclature varies between authors, as detailed in temporal fasciae.
| Layer (skin to bone) | What it contains |
|---|---|
| Skin and subcutaneous fat | Superficial fat of the lateral region |
| Temporoparietal fascia | Superficial temporal artery and the temporal branch of the facial nerve |
| Deep temporal fascia, superficial lamina | Below it, above the arch: the superficial temporal fat pad and the middle temporal vein |
| Deep temporal fascia, deep lamina | Below it: the deep temporal fat pad |
| Temporalis muscle | Deep temporal arteries, next to the bone |
| Bone of the temporal fossa | Base of the region |
Above the point where the deep temporal fascia splits, the two laminae join and the superficial pad ceases to exist. That is why it is most evident in the lower part of the temple.
What is the difference between the superficial and the deep fat pad?
The superficial pad is a deposit specific to the temple, enclosed by the laminae of the deep temporal fascia. Near it runs the middle temporal vein, a large-caliber vein connected to the deep venous system.
The deep pad is the temporal extension of the buccal fat pad, the same structure removed in buccal fat removal, explained in Bichat fat pad. It rises under the zygomatic arch and occupies the space between the fascia and the temporalis muscle.
Why does it matter in facial harmonization?
With age, weight loss, or loss of muscle mass, the temple becomes concave and the contour of the orbit and zygomatic arch shows more. The concern is usually a "thin" or tired-looking face, and correcting the concavity helps smooth the transition between forehead, orbit, and midface, tied to the ogee curve. The procedure is covered in temple filler.
How does it show up in the assessment?
- Frontal view: narrowing of the face at the level of the temples and a visible lateral edge of the orbit.
- Oblique view: concavity between the temporal line and the zygomatic arch.
- Chewing: clenching the teeth shows the volume of the temporalis muscle, which should not be mistaken for fat.
Also called: temporal fat, temporal pad, intermediate fat pad, temporal fat pad.
Frequently asked questions
Why does the temple hollow with age?
Usually from a combination of temporal fat pad loss, thinning of the temporalis muscle, and bone changes. Marked weight loss and intense exercise can also make the area more concave.
Is the deep temporal fat pad related to the Bichat fat pad?
Yes. The deep temple fat pad is described as the temporal extension of the buccal fat pad, which rises under the zygomatic arch up to the temporal fossa.