Effect of a Facial Muscle Exercise Device on Facial Rejuvenation

Abstract

BackgroundThe efficacy of facial muscle exercises (FMEs) for facial rejuvenation is controversial. In the majority of previous studies, nonquantitative assessment tools were used to assess the benefits of FMEs.ObjectivesThis study examined the effectiveness of FMEs using a Pao (MTG, Nagoya, Japan) device to quantify facial rejuvenation.MethodsFifty females were asked to perform FMEs using a Pao device for 30 seconds twice a day for 8 weeks. Facial muscle thickness and cross-sectional area were measured sonographically. Facial surface distance, surface area, and volumes were determined using a laser scanning system before and after FME. Facial muscle thickness, cross-sectional area, midfacial surface distances, jawline surface distance, and lower facial surface area and volume were compared bilaterally before and after FME using a paired Student t test.ResultsThe cross-sectional areas of the zygomaticus major and digastric muscles increased significantly (right: P < 0.001, left: P = 0.015), while the midfacial surface distances in the middle (right: P = 0.005, left: P = 0.047) and lower (right: P = 0.028, left: P = 0.019) planes as well as the jawline surface distances (right: P = 0.004, left: P = 0.003) decreased significantly after FME using the Pao device. The lower facial surface areas (right: P = 0.005, left: P = 0.006) and volumes (right: P = 0.001, left: P = 0.002) were also significantly reduced after FME using the Pao device.ConclusionsFME using the Pao device can increase facial muscle thickness and cross-sectional area, thus contributing to facial rejuvenation.Level of Evidence: 4

A Practical Method for Assessing Lip Compression Strengthening in Healthy Adults

“…As mentioned above, it is unclear whether training-induced increases in lip closure muscle strength are associated with improvement of age-related wrinkles and sagging [8], although one study reported those possibilities [9]. We believe that the evaluation of lip muscle function with the water bottle used in this study can also be used as a means of training for lip closure muscle strength.…”

“…Although it is unclear whether changes in facial muscle strength are involved in the loss of facial muscle and skin integrity with the generation of wrinkles and sagging [8], one study reported that wrinkles could be reduced by an exercise that involves holding an instrument in the mouth [9]. Furthermore, a recent case study reported lip and tongue exercise therapy as part of the orthodontic treatment for class three malocclusion [10].…”

The Influence of Facial Muscle Training on the Facial Soft Tissue Profile: A Brief Review

“…Four studies [15][16][17][18] were included in our analysis, totaling 188 adults ( Figure 1 and Table 2). Two of the four studies included compared the experimental group to a control group.…”

“…Training conditions varied; neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) was used in two studies, the other two studies used an oscillatory movement device and voluntary facial isometric exercise. Four studies [15][16][17][18] were included in our analysis, totaling 188 adults ( Figure 1 and Table 2). Two of the four studies included compared the experimental group to a control group.…”

Surface electrical stimulation for facial paralysis is not harmful

“…Studies have shown that atrophy of muscles as well as an increase in muscle cross-section after exercising can be followed with ultrasound, magnetic resonance imaging, and three-dimensional scanners. [31][32][33][34] A standardized study with regular planned follow-up visits, a standardized stimulation protocol, and use of patient questionnaires would be needed to verify the subjective improvement in symmetry and demonstrate the impact of ES in muscle response and psychological influence. 35 A larger sample size would be helpful to detect the between-group differences more accurately.…”