The Superficial Fascia System: Anatomical Guideline for Zoning in Liposuction-Assisted Back Contouring

Dorsal contour deformity presents with different manifestations in each part of the back, such as back rolls, iliac crest deposit, and buffalo hump. However, scant current literature exists on the anatomical basis of dorsal contour deformity. The aim of this study was to better understand the anatomical characteristics of the back, and to propose evidence-based zoning principles for liposuction-assisted back contouring.

A total of 12 fresh cadavers were dissected for observation of each hierarchy in the vertical order (skin to deep fascia) and transverse comparison of the superficial fascial system (SFS) in the scapular-infrascapular-lumbar triangle region. Full-dorsum vectorial sections were used for the study of suprascapular fat deposits.

The SFS acts as a bridge connecting all levels of the dorsal subcutaneous tissue. Macroscopically, it is denser in the scapular and lumbar triangle regions and looser in the infrascapular region; microscopically, the ultrastructure of the retinaculum cutis consists of loose interlobular fascia and stiff functional fascia.

The regional variation pattern of the SFS in the back was consistent with observed back contour deformities in Asian female patients. A better understanding of the topographic anatomy of the back applied to evidenced zoning is the basis for improving surgical precision and avoiding dorsal contour deformity.