Reticular Dermis
The deeper, denser layer of the dermis beneath the papillary dermis, composed of thick collagen and elastin fibres that provide structural support to the skin.
Full Definition
The reticular dermis is the lower and thicker of the two layers of the dermis, situated above the subcutaneous fat. It is characterised by densely packed, irregularly arranged collagen type I fibres and elastin networks. In aesthetic medicine, injections placed at this level are described as 'intra-reticular' and carry different risk profiles compared with supraperiosteal or subcutaneous placement. Editors must not conflate this layer with the papillary dermis, which is the superficial sublayer directly beneath the epidermis. Accurate anatomical layer terminology is essential in procedural descriptions, case reports, and patient information leaflets.
Usage
Usage note: Always lowercase when not beginning a sentence. Distinguish clearly from 'papillary dermis' in procedure descriptions.
In Context
- "The filler was deposited within the reticular dermis to provide volumetric correction of the mid-cheek hollowing." — Clinical case report
- "Editors should verify that injection depth descriptors—papillary, reticular dermis, or subcutaneous—are used consistently throughout the manuscript." — Editorial style note