Growth and aging of facial soft tissues: A computerized three‐dimensional mesh diagram analysis

Abstract

The normal growth, development, and aging of facial soft tissues was studied by three-dimensional (3D) computerized mesh diagram analysis. The 3D coordinates of 50 soft-tissue landmarks were collected from 591 healthy white northern Italians (351 males, 240 females) 6-40 years of age. For each gender and age class, mean values were computed, and a standardized mesh of equidistant horizontal, vertical, and anterior-posterior lines was constructed. Within each age group, male meshes were superimposed on female meshes. For each gender, the 6-year-old reference mesh was superimposed on the reference mesh of each age group. The global (size plus shape) difference was evaluated by calculating the relevant displacement vectors for each landmark. Consequently, a size normalization was carried out and the shape difference was evaluated by calculating new relevant displacement vectors for each landmark. Growth and development were different along the three spatial planes: the largest increment was observed in the vertical dimension, with major modifications in the soft-tissue profile. The vertical dimension in males increased even after 30 years of age: ear dimensions increased, trichion moved superiorly and posteriorly, and pogonion, menton, and gonion moved anteriorly and inferiorly. In all age groups, size-standardized shape differences were found in the forehead, lower-third facial profile, eyes, cheeks, and ears. In each age class, male dimensions were larger than female dimensions. During childhood, gender differences in size were limited; shape differences were even less manifest. Overall, the profile was more anterior and inferior, the gonia were more inferior and more lateral, the forehead was more anterior, and the ears were larger in males than in females of corresponding age.

Validation of three‐dimensional laser scanning for the assessment of facial fat changes

“…The large underestimate in the present study may in part be explained by the location of the changes in facial fat that occur in real-life patients. Sequential scans are superimposed based on four reference points that lie outside the central circle of measurement and are known to be reproducible from scan to scan [19]. However, if these reference points are also displaced in the same direction as the central circle of measurement, the process of superimposition of scans will in effect minimize the estimated central surface volume difference.…”

“…The images were cropped to remove the neck region and hair. Four reference points (eye lateral canthus, tragus, labial commissure and ala) were selected on each of the two images [19] and the two scans were then superimposed using these reference points as a guide. The volume difference between the two scans was measured within a circle of radius 25 mm, centred on a point located one-third of the way along a vector drawn between the labial commissure and the tragus.…”

“…Three-dimensional laser scanning has been used in research and clinical practice to generate images of facial contour that may be used for planning maxillofacial surgery, measuring craniofacial deformity and planning radiotherapy [18][19][20][21]. Laser scanners are easy to use, inexpensive and non-invasive [18].…”

“…Although dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry is often used to measure changes in peripheral lipoatrophy in clinical research, this method is not suitable for detecting facial fat changes. Facial magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and computerized tomography (CT) have been used successfully in measuring facial soft tissue volumes, but these techniques Three-dimensional laser scanning has been used in research and clinical practice to generate images of facial contour that may be used for planning maxillofacial surgery, measuring craniofacial deformity and planning radiotherapy [18][19][20][21]. Laser scanners are easy to use, inexpensive and non-invasive [18].…”

Buccal Corridor Yang Lebih Menarik Pada Estetik Senyum

“…3,4,5 Tujuan dari perawatan ortodonti tidak hanya untuk mendapatkan oklusi fungsional tetapi juga untuk meningkatkan estetik wajah dan gigi.6 Wajah memainkan peran kunci dalam komunikasi dan interaksi semua hubungan sosial antar manusia. 7,8,9 Buccal corridor merupakan salah satu aspek yang penting ketika tersenyum. Ruang buccal corridor ini didefinisikan sebagai ruang antara permukaan bukal dari gigi-gigi posterior dan sudut bibir ketika tersenyum.…”