EPONYMS IN DERMATOLOGY: A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW OF CLINICAL RELEVANCE IN SKIN AGING AND AESTHETIC MEDICINE

Abstract

Introduction: Eponyms in dermatology provide concise, clinically meaningful descriptors of characteristic wrinkle patterns and age-related anatomical changes. Originating from careful clinical observation, these terms have been progressively integrated into aesthetic medicine to support comprehensive assessment and effective clinician-patient communication. This review aims to gather current knowledge regarding commonly encountered aging-related dermatologic eponyms, emphasizing their anatomical basis, pathophysiology, and relevance to modern aesthetic practice.

Aim: Understanding the aforementioned eponyms and their underlying pathophysiological concepts allows for the development of more effective strategies in aesthetic care. Their application increases efficiency in defining skin aging evaluations and planning treatment. By synthesizing available knowledge, this paper aims to facilitate clinical evaluation and inform interventions.

Methods: We conducted a systematic investigation on PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science using a pre-defined set of keywords for the search. The study consisted of a review of articles discussing wrinkle patterns that are named after people and have to do with intrinsic and extrinsic factors contributing to skin aging. In addition, data were collected regarding the area of skin where the wrinkles appear, the underlying factors of wrinkle formation, and the age at which the wrinkles are likely to develop. This work is a systematic literature review conducted following PRISMA 2020 guidelines.

Results: Eponymous facial aging phenomena usually manifest during adulthood, while neck-related changes occur at a later point in time. Three main eponyms that are encountered during this process are those that show dynamic, static, and mixed characteristics, reflecting underlying muscular or structural contributions.

Conclusion: Eponyms in dermatology significantly improve diagnostic precision, promote the standardization of clinical documentation and simplify patient care planning. This paper reviews the importance of knowledge of dermatological eponyms in assessing aesthetic condition and making therapeutic decisions.