Temporoparietal fascia: the SMAS extension in the temple
- Artery
- Vein
- Highlighted area
Quick facts
- Definition
- A thin fibrous layer of the temple, the continuation of the SMAS of the face into the scalp.
- Also known as
- Superficial temporal fascia.
- Contents
- Branches of the superficial temporal artery and fibers of the temporal branch of the facial nerve around it.
- Continuation
- Upward, with the galea aponeurotica; downward, with the SMAS.
- Relevance
- Defines layers and vascular and nerve risks in the temple.
The temporoparietal fascia is a thin layer of fibrous tissue in the temple area. It is the continuation of the SMAS of the face toward the scalp and, upward, it joins the galea aponeurotica. It also appears as the "superficial temporal fascia", and it should not be confused with the deep layer that covers the temporalis muscle.
How are the layers of the temple organized?
From outside to inside, in a simplified reading: skin, subcutaneous tissue, temporoparietal fascia, a layer of loose tissue, the deep temporal fasciae, the temporal fat pad and the temporalis muscle over the bone in the temporal fossa. The description varies between authors, but the idea is that the temple has several stacked layers.
What runs through it?
Within and near the temporoparietal fascia pass branches of the superficial temporal artery, one of the main vessels of the area. The temporal branch of the facial nerve, responsible for movements of the forehead and brow, runs in nearby planes and also has to be considered. That is why knowing the plane of each structure is essential.
Why does it matter in HOF?
The temple is an area of high vascular risk and great anatomical variation. Temple filler may be indicated when there is volume loss, but it requires knowledge of the layers, attention to the temporal fat pad and readiness for complications.
How do you explain it to the patient?
Patients often talk about a "hollow temple" or a "tired face". A simple drawing of the layers helps explain why the area is delicate and why the treatment plan is careful.
In Harmy
The app's Temple point lets you mark ml and intensity and see the projection on the frontal photo. The projection does not show layers or assess vascular anatomy.
Also called: superficial temporal fascia.
Frequently asked questions
Is the temporoparietal fascia the same thing as the temporal fascia?
No. The temporoparietal fascia is the superficial layer, linked to the SMAS. The temporal fascia (deep) is deeper and covers the temporalis muscle.
Why is the temple a risk area?
Because there are relevant vessels and branches of the facial nerve in the superficial layers, and the layers overlap in a way that requires precise anatomical knowledge.