The Aging Face – Part 2 – Deflation
A simple way to look at the aging process is to consider aging as occurring on 3 levels
Descent – Sagging of the facial tissues.
Deflation – Loss of facial volume
Deterioration – Changes in the texture and color of facial skin.
As part 2 of this series, we will focus on the second “D” – Deflation, or the loss of facial volume.
Recent studies focused on the anatomical facial fat compartment anatomy has revolutionized the concept and approach of adding volume to specific deflated soft-tissue compartments, creating a more individualized youthful restoration to the face.
Restoring youthful characteristics starts from the skeletal framework and builds progressively to the canvas of the face. With proper diagnosis and facial analysis, specific age-related changes can be addressed. By restoring proper position and volume of the soft tissues with dermal fillers along with skin rejuvenation, youthful characteristics of the face can be restored in a stepwise organized fashion that is tailored to the specific changes in the individual.
Morphological changes to the facial skeletal framework, soft tissue, retaining ligaments, fat compartments, and skin envelope all contribute to facial aging in variable degrees depending on the intrinsic and extrinsic factors.
There are a number of different dermal fillers that can be used to revolumize the face depending on the stage or extent of drooping:
HA (hyaluronic acid) dermal fillers (Restylane, Perlane, Juvederm, Voluma). HA is a natural substance found in the body. Babies have a large quantity which is why their faces are plump and pleasing. Results are instant and wear off over time.
PA (poly-L-lactic acid) dermal filler (Sculptra). PA is the same material used in dissolving stitches and stimulates the body’s own production of collagen and provides a matrix for that collagen.
PMMA (polymethylmethacrylate) dermal filler (BellaFill). Similar to the PA dermal filler, PMMA’s microspheres provide a longer lasting collagen matrix.
