Static and Dynamic Anatomy of the Face, in Particular Eyebrows, Eyelids and Lips.

Abstract

A characteristic feature of the anatomy of the human face is its arrangement in layers. The main layers include, from outside to inside: (i) the skin; (ii) the subcutaneous fat; (iii) the superficial musculoaponeurotic system; (iv) the deep fat, and (iv) the periosteum overlying the bony structures of the skull. Herein, the facial bones provide the basis for the ligaments and other facial structures that are attached to them. In contrast, the muscles control the mimics and movements, hence the dynamic anatomy of the face. The skin represents the outermost structure of the body and protects the organism from external physical, chemical, and biological stresses. The strive for facial attractiveness and beauty is a strong motivation for cosmetic and aesthetic procedures, including (permanent) makeup, minimal-invasive up to invasive surgical interventions, which have dramatically increased in numbers over the past decades. A youthful appearance is regarded as one of the essential characteristics of an attractive face. The characteristic features of the aging face are a downward migration of the facial soft tissues, a loss in volume of the fat compartments, the formation of mimic wrinkles, a decrease in dermal hydration, and others. Modern anti-aging treatments aim to reverse these alterations with the least possible side effects. However, effective and safe cosmetic, aesthetic, and medical treatments presume a profound knowledge of facial anatomy.