Basic analysis of facial ageing: The relationship between the superficial musculoaponeurotic system and age.
BACKGROUND
The superficial musculoaponeurotic system (SMAS) is an anatomical structure involved in the facial ageing process. We aimed to evaluate the SMAS laxity using multi-detector row computed tomography (MDCT) as a diagnostic tool, and to analyse the relationship between SMAS laxity and age.


METHODS
Fifty-seven female subjects (aged 21-57 years) were enrolled in the study. The subjects were divided into two age groups: one below the mean age (Group Y, 30 subjects) and one over it (Group O, 27 subjects). The Posture Change (PC)-induced SMAS Laxity Index was measured using reconstructed CT images, and the relationship between the PC-induced SMAS Laxity Index and age was analysed.


RESULTS
The PC-induced SMAS Laxity Index was significantly larger in Group O than in Group Y. As well, a strong and significant positive correlation was detected between the PC-induced SMAS Laxity Index and age (r = 0.72; P < 0.001).


CONCLUSIONS
The use of MDCT provides insight into the detailed changes associated with ageing that take place within the cheeks. This study objectively demonstrated that SMAS laxity and age are factors associated with facial ageing, as the SMAS laxity increased with age. Finally, the imaging features confirmed the dermatological and aesthetic knowledge gained from plastic surgery regarding the loss of the SMAS supporting force due to facial ageing.
['Okuda|Itsuko|I|', 'Yoshioka|Naoki|N|', 'Shirakabe|Yukio|Y|', 'Akita|Keiichi|K|']
D000328:Adult D000367:Age Factors D005145:Face D005260:Female D006801:Humans D008875:Middle Aged D061330:Multidetector Computed Tomography D012867:Skin D015595:Skin Aging D000069259:Superficial Musculoaponeurotic System D055815:Young Adult
laxity multi-detector row computed tomography posture change supporting force cheek sagging