Study on Age-Related Facial Fat Changes Using 3D MRI and a Novel Algorithm.

Area of Science:

• Aesthetics
• Anatomy
• Gerontology

Background:

• Age-related changes in facial and cervical fat distribution significantly influence aesthetic appearance.
• Quantitative evidence on age-related fat distribution patterns in the face and neck is limited.
• Understanding these changes is crucial for aesthetic interventions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To quantitatively characterize regional fat distribution in the neck and face across different age groups.
• To examine the relationship between age, body mass index (BMI), and fat distribution.
• To provide a detailed understanding of age-related facial and cervical fat remodeling.

Main Methods:

• Cross-sectional study of 47 healthy female participants aged 18-65 years.
• Utilized high-resolution 3D magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) for precise fat measurements.
• Measured fat thickness and volume in predefined anatomical compartments of the face and neck.

Main Results:

• Neck fat thickness and volume positively correlated with age and BMI, peaking in midlife.
• Facial fat showed region-specific changes: buccal and nasolabial fat decreased, while upper facial fat remained stable.
• Infraorbital fat volume and thickness increased with age, particularly between young and middle-aged individuals.

Conclusions:

• Quantitative imaging reveals heterogeneous age-related changes in facial and cervical fat distribution.
• Different fat compartments exhibit distinct aging rates.
• Findings have implications for understanding facial aging and developing targeted interventions.