Periorbital changes with aging

ABSTRACT

As we face a rapidly aging population in the Republic of Korea, the number of patients with the need to prevent or alleviate periorbital changes due to aging will grow. The periorbital changes that occur with aging comprise a dynamic process involving the aging of facial tissue and bony structures. Epidermal thinning and decreases in collagen cause the skin to lose its elasticity. Loss of fat, coupled with gravity and muscle pull, leads to wrinkling and the formation of dynamic lines. The aging process has also been shown to affect the facial bones. Multiple studies suggest that aging of the orbit and midface bones occurs primarily due to contraction and morphologic changes. This loss of bony volume and projection may contribute to an aged appearance. The effort to understand each patient's individual involutional changes, which differ by age and gender, is mandatory. Identifying the patient's personal needs and selecting the appropriate treatment accordingly is crucial for achieving the best outcome both for the clinician and the patient.