Why 4D approach to aesthetics?
For many years, aesthetic medicine has mainly focused on treating the obvious visual manifestations of ageing rather than the root causes, primarily due to a lack of detailed anatomical knowledge.
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Facial aging is a multi-dimensional process that takes place on different layers of the face (from superficial to deep).
There are four layers of the face, with each layer playing a defined role (from outside to inside): Skin layer > Muscle/SMAS layer > Deep fat layer > Bony layer.
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According to current knowledge, the, following factors are responsible for the appearance of the visible signs of facial ageing :
- Degenerative changes occurring in the skin and connective tissues (i.e elastosis, fibrosis)
- Loss of skin tone and elasticity occurring in the overall tissue complex due to the effects of the ligament laxity.
- Decreased supply of nutrients and fluids to the skin and subcutaneous tissue.
- Decreased volume in the deep fat pads, which act as at the biomechanics support structures to the overlying skin envelop
- Ptosis/descent of the destabilised soft tissues due to the loss of biomechanics support under the effect of gravity
- Hypertonia and volume loss of the muscles of the facial expression
- Tilting in the balance of power between the depressor and elevator muscles, in favour of the depressor muscles.
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