Skin and Facial Anatomy

Understanding facial structure and anatomy is invaluable for aesthetic practitioners to create an enhanced, more youthful look. Knowledge of facial anatomy is crucial to the art and science of aesthetic practice. Facial muscles, subcutaneous fat, bone, and skin all contribute to the shape and composition of the face. Unnatural expression and facial shapes are avoided by understanding specific facial muscle function and effects of volume loss. Appropriate use of available modalities to rejuvenate facial features is an important aspect of aesthetic practice. Botulinum toxin/A (BoNT/A), dermal filler, and other technologies and treatments are examples of modalities used for facial rejuvenation. Generally, the face tends to have similar aging processes across ethnicities. Over time, bone structure and underlying tissue changes contribute to the appearance of the face. Awareness of these changes will assist the practitioner in attaining the most desired outcome for patients.