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Updated: May 16, 2026
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Quantitative Assessment Protocol for Facial Soft Tissue Volumetric Changes with Stereophotogrammetry
Published on: December 9, 2025
Structural Characteristics of Facial Sagging: A Quantitative Analysis Linking Visual Assessment to Dermal, Fat, and
Megumi Oya1, Yuki Takeuchi1, Yumi Touma1
1HYOJO Science Lab, Research and Development Department, YA-MAN Ltd., Tokyo, Japan.
Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology
|May 15, 2026
Summary
Facial sagging results from combined changes in skin, fat, and muscle layers, not just aging of one. Understanding these structural contributions is key for effective anti-aging treatments.
Area of Science:
- Aesthetic medicine and dermatology.
- Biomechanical analysis of facial aging.
Background:
- Facial sagging is linked to structural changes in the dermis, subcutaneous fat, and muscle.
- Previous research has limited quantitative data on internal structure contributions to sagging.
- Identifying key determinants is crucial for optimizing interventions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To statistically analyze and model the contributions of dermal, fat, and muscle parameters to facial sagging.
- To gain insights for personalized facial aging evaluations and treatment optimization.
Main Methods:
- 220 women (20-79 years) were assessed for facial sagging using the Merz Scale.
- Dermal properties, subcutaneous fat thickness/echogenicity, and muscle thickness were measured.
- High-resolution ultrasound and dynamic sagging indices were used; correlation and regression analyses were performed.
Main Results:
- Sagging correlated with dermal viscoelasticity, fat thickness, and zygomaticus major muscle thickness.
- Dermal, fat, and muscle characteristics jointly influenced sagging, varying by facial site and age.
- Dynamic sagging indices correlated with age and Merz scores.
Conclusions:
- Facial sagging arises from interconnected changes across dermal, fat, and muscle layers.
- Aging impacts these structures synergistically, not in isolation.
- Integrated structural evaluation is essential for understanding and managing facial sagging.
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