“WAY”: A practical means to identify and treat the aging process

BACKGROUND: Many patients consult a specialist in esthetics to improve certain aspects of their face that are altered by aging. To ensure optimal results and to define the best approach for such interventions, it is important that specialists have a comprehensive understanding of facial anatomy and of the aging process in the regions of interest. AIMS: The main purpose of this article was to provide a practical approach for managing aging process in the mid‐ and lower face. Additionally, this paper also aimed to describe the processes associated with aging that may affect the morphology and the appearance of jaw contour (“W”); prejowl (“A”); tear trough, palpebromalar area, and nasojugal groove (“Y”) (“WAY”) signs. METHODS: The Current paper combined the authors experience with the currently available scientific evidence. RESULTS: In this study, the anatomy and the changes associated with aging of the mandibular line and that of the tear trough, palpebromalar area, and nasojugal groove was described. The important anatomical changes in these facial regions can be considered through the “WAY” paradigm, signs of aging that can be treated through a variety of surgical and nonsurgical approaches. Although surgical procedures may obtain good results, patients generally prefer less invasive treatments, which have a good efficacy profile, but are safer and have a shorter recovery time. CONCLUSIONS: The “WAY” signs identify anatomical changes in the mandibular line and tear trough, palpebromalar area, and nasojugal groove associated with aging that can be corrected by different procedures, preferably minimally invasive ones.