As our faces age, numerous changes occur both within the cells of the skin itself, as well as the structure of the face. Skin changes include thickening of the outer layer (the epidermis) and thinning of the inner layer (dermis) with more uneven pigmentation. The most notable structural change is loss of facial volume. The overlying skin then sags to create excess skin of the lower jawline area and neck, as well as grooves (for example ‘tear troughs’ between the lower eyelid and cheek, and nasolabial folds or ‘laugh lines’ between the side of the nose and the outer corner of the mouth). Lesser known changes include upper lip lengthening, and earlobe enlargement.
Facial Rejuvenating techniques such as face and neck lift techniques, upper lip lift, eyelid surgery and fat transfer aim to negate these effects by replacing the lost volume, tightening the overlying structures (muscle and skin), and aiming to improve the overall skin quality.
If you are considering booking a consultation for a facial rejuvenating procedure, you will be asked to bring old photographs with you to show how your face has changed over time, as the aim is to push the clock back- with a younger version of you- as opposed to an attractive face that looks more like someone else.