Objectives: Explain the nature of facial aging and describe treatment selection based on phenotypic appearance and severity of sun damage, volume loss and laxity.
Introduction: Facial aging presents with 3 primary findings of different degrees of severity, including: 1. Sun damage, 2. Soft Tissue and Bony Volume loss and 3. Tissue Laxity. These changes present along a continuum of severity and are influence by facial movement, internal and external environment and genetics.
Materials / method: All patients presenting for facial rejuvenation at our practice are evaluated for the degree of sun damage, anatomic locations of volume loss, and severity of laxity. Treatments are recommended along a continuum based on the severity of the presenting findings.
Results: In the most severe cases of sun damage, fractional CO2 lasers or CO2 or erbium ablational lasers are recommended. For more modest damage, fractional 1927 nm laser is utilized. All deep and superficial fat compartments and areas of bone loss are addressed using a technique of injectable tissue replacement and rejuvenation (ITR2). For severe laxity, a deep plane facelift, along with submental incision. Any combination of superficial and sub-platysmal fat removal, anterior digastric reduction, submandibular gland reduction and/or platysmaplasty may be needed depending on findings.
Conclusion: The major physical findings associated with facial aging include photo-damage, volume loss and laxity. Facial motion creases the skin, but also leads to separation of layers. Internal and external environment affect the rate and severity of aging. Lastly, aging is superimposed on individual genetics. Aesthetic outcomes are improved when photodamage, volume loss and laxity are each addressed with the treatment tailored to the degree of severity of each of the major physical findings.
Disclosures
Did you receive any funding to support your research for this TOPIC?
No
Were you provided with any honoraria, payment or other compensation for your work on this study?
No
Do you have any financial relationship with any entity which may closely compete with the medications, materials or instruments covered by your study?
Yes
Please specify entities (individual, company, society): MicroAire cannulas, Nanocube, Mage Group, UK, Millennium Medical Technologies, MSF
Do you own or have you applied for any patents in conjunction with the instruments, medications or materials discussed in your study?
Yes
Please specify date...: pending
and status : MicroAire Cannulas, Nanocube, ITR2
This work was not supported by any direct or non direct funding. It is under the author's own responsability
