Computed tomographic observations on subcutaneous fat: implications for liposuction

The anatomy of the abdominal subcutaneous tissues is discussed in the light of data obtained in 20 female patients examined on a modern computed tomographic system. We have shown that the superficial fascia, which separates the superficial and deep layers of subcutaneous fat, forms a continuous circumferential fascial plane. This superficial fascia, contrary to previous reports, does not appear to merge with the deep fascial plane around the external oblique muscle. The fat in the deep subcutaneous layer, bounded by the superficial fascia, is the target for liposuction techniques. The CT data have shown that about 50 percent of subcutaneous fat resides within this deep layer.