Newer Understanding of Specific Anatomic Targets in the Aging Face as Applied to Injectables: Aging Changes in the Craniofacial Skeleton and Facial Ligaments

Logical correction of aging contour changes of the face is based on understanding its structure and the processes involved in the aging appearance. Aging changes are seen at all tissue levels between the skin and bone although the relative contribution of each component to the overall change of facial appearance has yet to be satisfactorily determined. Significantly, the facial skeleton changes profoundly with aging as a consequence of significant resorption of the bones of dental origin in particular. The resultant loss of skeletal projection gives the visual impression of descent while the reduced ligamentous support leads to laxity of the overlying soft tissues. Understanding the specific changes of the face with aging is fundamental to achieving optimum correction and safe use of injectables for facial rejuvenation.