Evaluation and visualization of facial massage effects by using ultraviolet stereo‐image correlation

Abstract

Background/purposeThis study proposes a technique for visualizing the effect of facial massage using stereo‐image correlation with melanin pigment.MethodIn this method, the melanin pigment of a subject's face is made visible by using an ultraviolet light and utilized as a random pattern for stereo‐image correlation. Stereo‐pair images of the face with the melanin pigment before and after facial massage are recorded using a desk‐sized measurement equipment. Then, the deformation of the face by the massage can be obtained based on the principle of stereovision. The effectiveness of the proposed method is demonstrated by applying it to the massage effect evaluation of eight subjects (females in their 40s).ResultsThe results show that the massage effect can be visualized from the displacement and strain distributions across the face obtained by the proposed method. In addition, it is observed that the face is displaced significantly by the massage and individual differences between the subjects can be captured.ConclusionThe proposed method is effective for evaluating the effect of a facial massage when the painted pattern disappears due to the applied cream during the massage.

Anatomic and diagnostic considerations of facial mobility for understanding the effectiveness of facial massage: A pilot study

“…The benefits conferred by massage have often been ascribed to increased blood and lymphatic flow. 1,2,5,6,14 Effective facial massage can enhance skin texture, reduce sagging skin, and lift the cheeks.…”

“…It is well known that massage helps to restore sagging of the face and improve skin texture and tone. [1][2][3][4] Nishimura et al used computed tomography (CT) to objectively evaluate and quantify the effects of facial massage. 3 According to their paper, the restorative effect on sagging skin did not appear evenly on the face.…”

“…major factor contributing to the effect of facial massage is the increase in blood and lymphatic flows. 1,2,5,6 The capillaries and lymphatic vessels are densely distributed in the face. [7][8][9] However, as the lifting effect of the cheeks cannot be attributed to increasing blood and lymphatic flows through massage alone, this led us to hypothesize that facial mobility could differ between facial regions.…”

Objective analysis of the effectiveness of facial massage using breakthrough computed tomographic technology: A preliminary pilot study

“…Increased blood and lymphatic flow are thought to be the main factors underlying the effectiveness of massages. 5,17,18 In addition, Okuda et al considered the involvement of the mobility of facial soft tissues, including the SMAS and subcutaneous adipose tissue. 13 Thus, facial massage could have tightening and lifting effects, and these would contribute to morphological changes of the face, including the subcutaneous adipose tissue and the SMAS.…”

“…To date, the effectiveness of facial massage has been mainly evaluated by subjective assessments such as visual methods and photographic comparisons. However, techniques based on stereo-image correlation 5 and computed tomography (CT) 6 have been recently…”