Cosmetic dermatology of the aging face

Aging is a complex process involving both genetically determined and environmental factors that result in functional and aesthetic changes in the skin, soft tissue, and skeletal support structures. These age-related changes are particularly apparent on the human face. In recent years, there has been increasing interest in reversing the effects of these age-related changes to restore a youthful appearance and improve patients' self-perception. Although many nonsurgical treatments for aesthetic correction of facial aging focus on skin restoration and removal of the effects of photoaging on the skin, other treatments, such as dermal fillers, address the soft-tissue volume loss that underlies many of the effects of aging. Advances in cosmetic dermatology, particularly in the area of soft-tissue augmentation, have expanded the options for older patients seeking to improve their facial appearance.