Facial skin rejuvenation is the use of techniques designed to restore damaged skin to a youthful, healthier-looking appearance. It may involve medications, procedures, surgery or a combination of these treatments, and is used to repair damage caused by factors such as illness, aging and exposure to the sun.

The skin is the largest organ in the body. Over time, the skin fibers that keep the skin taut - collagen and elastin - weaken as a combination of gravity and internal and external factors pull the skin downward. In addition, years of exposure to the sun can create superficial blemishes that become more pronounced with time, and disorders such as acne can cause scarring that is cosmetically unappealing.

Dermatologists and dermatologic surgeons use facial skin rejuvenation to combat this deterioration and improve the skin's general appearance. Different techniques may be performed depending on the condition to be treated. A person's skin type is a critical factor in determining which procedure can best restore facial skin health.

Facial skin rejuvenation can help reduce wrinkles and sun spots, tighten loose skin, improve skin texture and color, remove blotches or damaged blood vessels, and lessen the appearance of minor scars. Over the years, advances have helped make such procedures less invasive and safer, and they are steadily increasing in popularity. According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, in 2007, there was:

• A 14 percent increase in facelifts
  
  
• A 14 percent increase in botulinum toxin treatments among women and a 4 percent increase among men
  
  
• A 123 percent increase in filler treatments with calcium hydroxylapatite among women and a 134 percent increase among men
  
  
• A 32 percent increase in laser resurfacing for men and women
  
  

Although women still comprise the vast majority of facial rejuvenation patients, procedures among men and women are both increasing rapidly. Because these procedures are usually elective, they are rarely covered by insurance plans.