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Mechanotransduction: The Missing Link in the Facial Aging Puzzle?

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Abstract

Background

Craniofacial bony remodeling has been recognized as an important contributor to the facial aging process. Multiple studies have demonstrated significant craniofacial skeletal changes with age. However, no review has assembled this information in a concise, cogent fashion. Furthermore, the etiology of these skeletal changes has not been elucidated. This information is important for understanding the mechanisms of facial aging and for further development of facial rejuvenation.

Methods

A literature review of all articles discussing remodeling of the craniofacial skeleton with age was performed. Studies that used objective measurements of craniofacial skeletal parameters for different age groups were collected and analyzed.

Results

The studies demonstrated consistent morphologic changes in the craniofacial skeleton with age. These changes included trends toward increased facial bony width in women; contour changes of the orbit, anterior maxilla, and mandibular body; and decreased dimensions of the glabellar, pyriform, and maxillary angles.

Conclusions

The craniofacial skeleton remodels with aging. Many of the observed changes in soft tissue contour and position reflect these skeletal changes. Changes in facial muscle function through the process of mechanotransduction may be responsible for these skeletal changes.

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Notes

  1. Supplemental Digital Content 1: A video demonstrating the changes in the bony orbit with age. Specifically, the orbit grows wider superomedially and inferolaterally.

  2. Supplemental Digital Content 2: A video demonstrating the changes in the profile of the facial skeleton with age. Specifically, the glabellar and maxillary angles become more acute.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Division of Plastic Surgery, Baylor College of Medicine, 6701 Fannin Street, CC.610.00, Houston, TX, 77030, USA

    Safa E. Sharabi, Daniel A. Hatef, John C. Koshy & Larry H. Hollier Jr.

  2. Division of Plastic Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA

    Michael J. Yaremchuk

Authors
  1. Safa E. Sharabi
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  2. Daniel A. Hatef
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  3. John C. Koshy
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  4. Larry H. Hollier Jr.
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  5. Michael J. Yaremchuk
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to Larry H. Hollier Jr..

Electronic supplementary material

Below is the link to the electronic supplementary material.

A video demonstrating the changes in the bony orbit with age. Specifically, the orbit grows wider superior-medially and inferior-laterally (WMV 118 kb)

A video demonstrating the changes in the profile of the facial skeleton with age. Specifically, the glabellar and maxillary angles become more acute (WMV 150 kb)

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Sharabi, S.E., Hatef, D.A., Koshy, J.C. et al. Mechanotransduction: The Missing Link in the Facial Aging Puzzle?. Aesth Plast Surg 34, 603–611 (2010). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00266-010-9519-5

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00266-010-9519-5

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