Analysis and Assessment of Facial Aging

Purpose of Review The goal of this review is to highlight the important clinical considerations that impact the facial aging process and discuss current assessment tools that are available to help guide the clinician on appropriate facial rejuvenation modalities. Recent Findings Extrinsic and intrinsic factors and their effects on facial aging continue to be studied. Ethnic and racial backgrounds play a critical role in the facial aging process. Gender’s impact on facial aging is explored. Several assessment tools have been developed to examine various subunits of the face, and other assessments have been created that account for the patient’s ethnic background. Summary Facial aging is a dynamic and complex process. Understanding facial aging requires understanding changes in all layers of facial tissues as well as extrinsic and intrinsic factors that can affect the process, along with ethnic differences. Using appropriate assessment tools can help guide the clinician toward optimal treatment modalities.