Variations in facial skin thickness and echogenicity with site and age

The characteristic pattern of reflectivity of facial skin, as evaluated by ultrasound, has not previously been described quantitatively. The aim of this study was to evaluate site- and age-dependent variations in skin thickness and echogenicity of facial skin. A total of 40 women, in different age groups, were studied at 12 different facial skin sites. Echographic images were recorded with a 20 MHz B-Scanner and processed by dedicated software. Skin thickness measurements showed significantly higher values on the lower part of the face, whereas skin echogenicity was higher on the upper part of the face. In elderly subjects, an increase in facial skin thickness and overall echogenicity was observed compared with the younger subjects at all assessed skin areas, except the infraorbital regions. Moreover, modifications of skin echogenicity according to age, consisting in the appearance of a subepidermal band and an enhancement of the lower dermis' reflectivity, were observable at most facial skin sites.