ABSTRACT

Volumetric restoration of the upper face is a critical component of facial rejuvenation, however, often neglected, because most clinicians tend to focus on the mid- and lower face when it comes to management of the aging face. Neglecting the upper face can lead to a disharmony between the upper and lower face, however, leaving the patient with a suboptimal overall result. The most common causes of volume depletion of the upper face are fat loss, muscle atrophy, and bone resorption due to the aging process. A subset of patients with HIV-associated lipoatrophy suffer from marked volume loss in the upper face, especially in the temporal area. Most patients can easily appreciate volume loss in the mid- and lower face on their own, but often do not notice these profound changes in the upper face. Adding volume to this area can have a dramatic effect on the appearance of the upper face, giving a youthful, healthy look.