Development of a Simple 2-Dimensional Measuring Method for Facial Sagging

Facial sagging is one of the well-known morphological changes associated with aging. Several methods to measure facial sagging degree have already been reported including 2-dimensional （2D）and 3-dimensional（3D）analyses. there are no protocols to measure the ‘absolute sagging quantity’．In this study, we attempted to estimate the ‘absolute facial sagging quantity’ by a simple 2D analysis without using any high-cost machine. In our new 2D method, measured sites are marked on the face. Then, facial pictures in the supine and sitting position are taken, making sure that both pictures have the same facial angles. Next, only for the supine position, a ‘sagging measurement sticker’with a concentric 1 mm interval scale is attached on each measuring site to evaluate the absolute sagging quantity. The two pictures are overlaid and the moving distance of each site is calculated with the ‘sagging measurement sticker’．Our new method was clinically evaluated in females in their 20s to 50s. Furthermore, the remedial effect of a formulation was examined in women in their 40s. Through these studies, it is suggested that sagging of the face line leads to nasolabial folds, and this method can be useful to evaluate these little changes before and after a treatment.