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As the face ages, there is thinning of the epidermis, volume loss and rearrangement of the soft tissues, and malabsorption of the skeletal framework. It is essential to have a thorough understanding of the aging process for successful facial augmentation and rejuvenation. Alloplastic implants can be used to provide a long-lasting solution for augmentation of skeletal deficiencies, restoration of facial irregularities, and rejuvenation of the face. In this study, we describe the ideal implant characteristics along with the advantages and disadvantages of various implant materials. We also present techniques in nasal and premaxillary augmentation, midface augmentation, mandibular augmentation, and lip augmentation. Additionally, computer-aided design and manufacturing as well as bioprinting are emerging technologies with growing applications in facial plastic and reconstructive surgery. We discuss their role in the creation of patient-specific custom implants. The overall goal of facial rejuvenation is to address multiple aspects of the facial aging process including deficiencies in the skin, soft tissues, and skeletal framework. The use of alloplastic implants alone or synergistically with additional surgical procedures can restore a wide range of anatomical deficits that occur with age., Competing Interests: None declared., (Thieme. All rights reserved.)

Whereas traditional concepts of facial aging focus on the descent of soft tissue secondary to gravitational effects, it is now well established that volumetric changes involving different levels of soft tissue loss reveal craniofacial skeletal deficiencies that, together, contribute to the changes evident in the aging face. Thus, effective facial rejuvenation requires a comprehensive paradigm that identifies and addresses all anatomic elements involved in the aging process. Contemporary practices in facial rejuvenation have expanded far beyond the rhytidectomy procedure to involve deeper and more fundamental levels of dissection for the purpose of elevating and replacing volume. Alloplastic implants offer a long-term, multidimensional solution to facial rejuvenation by concomitantly augmenting skeletal deficiency, restoring lost soft tissue volume, and smoothing irregularities in the facial contour. Facial augmentation using implants represents a straightforward, simple procedure with minimal risks and long-lasting benefits. By applying accurate and judicious techniques for preoperative analysis, selecting the appropriate implant, and with correct surgical placement of the implants, the facial plastic surgeon can achieve successful facial volumization and restore the youthful appearance of the aging patient., (© Thieme Medical Publishers.)