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The Relationship between Age and Facial Asymmetry
Olivia E Linden1, Jun Kit He1, Clinton S Morrison1
1From the Department of Radiology and Biomedical Imaging, University of California-San Francisco; the Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University; the Division of Plastic Surgery, University of Rochester; and the Division of Plastic Surgery, Mount Auburn Hospital and Harvard Medical School.
Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery
|December 5, 2018
Summary
Facial asymmetry naturally increases with age, particularly in the lower face. This finding, using 3D photogrammetry, can guide plastic surgery for age-appropriate results.
Area of Science:
- Plastic Surgery
- Anthropometry
- Gerontology
Background:
- Facial symmetry is a key goal in plastic surgery, though some asymmetry is normal.
- Three-dimensional photogrammetry offers precise, repeatable facial measurements.
- This study explored the link between aging and facial symmetry using 3D photogrammetry.
Purpose of the Study:
- To quantify facial symmetry using 3D photogrammetry.
- To investigate the correlation between age and facial asymmetry.
- To analyze age-related asymmetry across different facial thirds.
Main Methods:
- 191 volunteers were imaged using 3D photogrammetry.
- Facial symmetry was assessed via maximum symmetry plane and root-mean-square deviation.
- Regression analysis examined the age-symmetry relationship, with subgroup analysis by facial thirds.
Main Results:
- Facial asymmetry showed a significant positive correlation with increasing age (p < 0.001; r = 0.66).
- Mean asymmetry (root-mean-square deviation) was 0.8 ± 0.2 mm, with values increasing with age across all facial thirds.
- Asymmetry and its increase with age were more pronounced in the lower two-thirds of the face.
Conclusions:
- Facial asymmetry progresses with age, especially in the lower face, possibly due to skeletal and soft tissue changes.
- The correlation between age and facial asymmetry provides a potential guide for age-matched outcomes in plastic surgery.
- Understanding age-related facial asymmetry aids in achieving more natural, age-appropriate surgical results.
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