Aging skin: histology, physiology, and pathology

Jeannie Khavkin; David A F Ellis

doi:10.1016/j.fsc.2011.04.003

Aging skin: histology, physiology, and pathology

Facial Plast Surg Clin North Am. 2011 May;19(2):229-34. doi: 10.1016/j.fsc.2011.04.003.

Authors

Jeannie Khavkin¹, David A F Ellis

Affiliation

¹ Division of Facial Plastic Surgery, Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, University of Toronto, R. Fraser Elliott Building, 190 Elizabeth Street, Room 3S-438, Toronto, ON M5G 2N2, Canada. jkhavkin@gmail.com

PMID: 21763983
DOI: 10.1016/j.fsc.2011.04.003

Abstract

Skin is a complex organ covering the entire surface of the body. Aged skin is characterized by appearance of wrinkles, laxity, and pigmentary irregularities. These changes occur under the influence of intrinsic and extrinsic factors, with sun exposure being the most deleterious to the skin. Skin changes associated with aging are the focus of many surgical and nonsurgical procedures aimed to improve the appearance of skin. Knowledge of skin histology and physiology will deepen the understanding of cutaneous changes associated with aging and will promote optimal cosmetic and functional patient outcomes.

Publication types

Review

MeSH terms

Humans
Skin / anatomy & histology*
Skin / innervation
Skin / pathology
Skin Aging / pathology*
Skin Aging / physiology*
Skin Physiological Phenomena*
Subcutaneous Tissue / anatomy & histology
Subcutaneous Tissue / physiology