Quantitative evaluation of facial sagging in different body postures using a three-dimensional imaging technique

Area of Science:

• Aesthetics
• Biomechanics
• Dermatology

Background:

• The increasing use of smartphones has raised concerns about
• smartphone face,
• a condition characterized by facial sagging due to prolonged head flexion.
• This posture increases gravitational pull on the jowl area, potentially altering facial structure.

Purpose of the Study:

• To quantify facial sagging in different postural positions using 3D imaging.
• To assess the correlation between facial changes, age, and skin elasticity.
• To evaluate the efficacy of an anti-gravity facial cream.

Main Methods:

• 3D facial scanning of Korean female subjects (young and old) in standing, supine, and head flexion (30°, 45°) postures.
• Analysis of landmark displacements and volumetric changes.
• Correlation with skin elasticity measurements and an 8-week facial cream trial.

Main Results:

• Head flexion posture primarily caused anterior facial sagging, particularly in the lower face.
• Facial changes were more pronounced in older individuals, with decreased skin elasticity correlating with greater sagging.
• An 8-week application of facial cream A significantly reduced facial sagging.

Conclusions:

• 3D imaging accurately quantifies gravity-induced facial changes from different postures.
• Head flexion posture exerts significant gravitational pull on the lower face, contributing to a drooping jawline.
• Targeted treatments may mitigate posture-induced facial aging effects.