The existence of labial SMAS - Anatomical, imaging and histological study

Cutaneous insertion of the facial mimic muscles concerns, at different levels, the superficial fascia of that region. A superficial musculoaponeurotic system is described at face level that facilitates skin insertion of the facial expression muscles through the superficial fascia that acquires particular functional aspects in each region of the face. The existence of a musculofascial system is seen controversial among anatomists, which is why the purpose of this study is to establish its existence at the oral region. The material used in our study consists of twenty-four dissected hemifacies, wherefrom we have recorded images using an operator microscope. Tissue samples have been taken from anatomical specimens examining them by usual staining methods. In parallel, fifteen patients have been investigated with imaging methods (MRI and CT). The results prove the existence of an oral musculoaponeurotic system with a particular organization, similar in the upper and lower part. The superficial fascia disappears into the free margin of the upper and lower lips, as we are emphasizing in the images taken from this level. These findings explain the functional anatomy of this region, but they also form the background of the modern oral plastic surgery.