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Quantitative Analysis of the Human Face Skin Thickness-A High-Frequency Ultrasound Study
Szymon Korzekwa1, Krystian Matusz1, Michał Kukulski1,2
1Department of Anatomy, Poznań University of Medical Sciences, 61-701 Poznan, Poland.
Journal of Clinical Medicine
|December 11, 2025
Summary
Facial skin thickness varies significantly by location and age, with the nose being thickest and the eyelid thinnest. This study maps facial skin topography, crucial for plastic surgery and aesthetic procedures.
Area of Science:
- Dermatology and Plastic Surgery
- Medical Imaging and Ultrasound Technology
- Biometrics and Anthropometry
Background:
- Facial skin thickness is a critical determinant for successful reconstructive and aesthetic surgical outcomes.
- Accurate topographical data of facial skin is essential for planning and executing various cosmetic and therapeutic procedures.
- Existing knowledge on precise facial skin thickness variations across different anatomical sites and demographics is limited.
Purpose of the Study:
- To quantitatively assess facial skin thickness using high-frequency ultrasound.
- To investigate the correlation of skin thickness with age, anatomical location, and biometric parameters.
- To develop a comprehensive topographical map and relative thickness index of facial skin.
Main Methods:
- High-frequency ultrasound (75 MHz) was employed to measure skin thickness at 38 distinct anatomical sites.
- Data was collected from 45 patients (aged 22-73 years) in esthetic medicine clinics.
- Statistical analyses were performed to evaluate variations by location, age, and biometric data, leading to the creation of a skin thickness map.
Main Results:
- Significant variations in skin thickness were observed across facial locations (p < 0.001), with the nasal apex being the thickest (median: 1907 μm) and the upper eyelid the thinnest (median: 573.50 μm).
- Anatomical location, age, and their interaction significantly influenced skin thickness, explaining approximately 57% of the variance.
- Biometric parameters showed generally weak correlations with skin thickness, although some site-specific strong correlations were noted.
Conclusions:
- A detailed topographical map of facial skin thickness, including a relative thickness index, has been successfully developed.
- This map provides valuable quantitative data for plastic surgeons, dermatologists, and researchers.
- Understanding these topographical variations is vital for optimizing surgical planning and patient outcomes in facial procedures.
