Ptosis of submental skin: objective measurements and effect of age.

BACKGROUND/PURPOSE: Sagging of the face skin is a visible and unattractive characteristic of skin ageing. This phenomenon, due to both gravitational force and age-related alterations in the mechanical properties of skin, has never been quantitatively studied. The aim of this paper was, first, to define a method and a precise procedure allowing the objective measurement of this phenomenon and, second,to study how it is related to age.

METHODS: We used an electronically controlled bed that allows the comparison of submental skin profiles in both the reclined and the upright positions. A parameter that characterises the sagging amplitude for an individual was defined and the reproducibility of measurement of this parameter was verified.

RESULTS: Results, obtained from 66 female volunteers, demonstrated a statistically significant positive correlation between this new parameter and age, and also between this new parameter and the elastic recovery parameter of skin, as measured by torquemeter.

CONCLUSION: Age-related changes of the skin's mechanical properties and of the various underlying skin tissues would explain this phenomenon. This new method and procedure should allow objective evaluation of the efficacy of any treatments (cosmetic, medical or surgical) proposed for rendering the appearance of people younger.