Cosmetic surgical procedures for the aging face.

In the past decade there has been a remarkable increase in the number of patients having cosmetic operations to achieve a more youthful appearance. Demographic, social and economic factors in our society have contributed to this phenomenon, along with an increase in the number of trained plastic surgeons. Moreover, there recently have been major technical advances in aesthetic surgical procedures, including innovations in anesthetic techniques. The newer procedures for forehead-plasty, blepharoplasty and face lift are based on improved understanding of the facial anatomy. The operations are more complex and extensive, but experience has shown that they can be done safely. Correction of the changes of facial aging has been enhanced and the duration of the result has been prolonged.