Age Estimation with Facial Changes: Validation of Photo-Numerical Scale in South Indian Urban Population-A...

Facial aging is inevitable, but anthropometric morphology and age-related changes are highly variable among different ethnic groups. As India is a country with diverse population, only few facial ageing scale have been validated among the South Indian urban population.

To validate the facial ageing scale among the South Indian urban population and to determine the consensus among laymen.

This observational cross-sectional study involved 120 South Indian urban volunteers aged 18-59 years who reported to the outpatient clinic and were subjected to a set of facial photographs highlighting 21 facial features. These photographs were assessed by a layman and a facial surgeon to score their facial features and also to perceive the age of the volunteers with these facial features. The data were recorded and statistically analysed.

Pearson's correlation coefficient revealed that there was a significant linear relationship (0.0001) between the total score and the actual age of the patient among surgeons, as did the layman's score. The linear regression model confirmed the reliability and validity of 21 facial parameters in determining age.

This photonumerical scale was found to be a more reliable and easy-to-use tool for both research and clinical purposes.