A quantitative evaluation method using processed optical images and analysis of age-dependent changes on nasolabial lines

• Published in: Skin research and technology Vol. 21; no. 2; pp. 201 - 206
• Main Authors: Jang, Sue Im, Kim, Eun Joo, Park, Hyeokgon, Kim, Hyun Jung, Suk, Jang Mi, Kim, Beom Joon, Lee, John Hwan, Lee, Hae Kwang
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: England Blackwell Publishing Ltd 01.05.2015; John Wiley & Sons, Inc
• Subjects: Adult; aging; Algorithms; Dermoscopy - methods; Elastic Modulus - physiology; elasticity; Female; Humans; Image Interpretation, Computer-Assisted - methods; Middle Aged; nasolabial lines; NL angle; Nose - anatomy & histology; Nose - physiology; optical images; pixel number of NL area; PRIMOS; Reproducibility of Results; Sensitivity and Specificity; Skin Aging - pathology; Skin Aging - physiology; visual score; Young Adult; PRIMOS; elasticity; visual score; NL angle; aging; pixel number of NL area; nasolabial lines; optical images
• ISSN: 0909-752X; 1600-0846; 1600-0846
• DOI: 10.1111/srt.12177

Background/Purpose Nasolabial lines (NL) and wrinkles of the face are major features of aging. Wrinkles have been studied widely by morphological methods using 3‐dimensional (3D) photographic analysis instrument, but NL were evaluated by visual scoring usually. To evaluate NL quantitatively, another method is needed. This study is purposed to find out quantitative method for evaluation of NL. Method One hundred Korean female subjects aged 20 to 60 were recruited in this study. Facial image was taken using light source adjusted VISIA‐CR® and 3‐dimensional wrinkle depth on the NL area was evaluated by Phase shift rapid in vivo measuring of human skin (PRIMOS®). The pixel number of NL area and the angle were obtained using processed images. The severity of NL was assessed by visual score. Skin elasticity was measured by Cutometer®MPA580. Statistical significance was determined at P < 0.05. Result The optical images obtained by light source adjusted VISIA‐CR® were easy to distinguish NL and significantly increased age‐dependently. And three parameters of elasticity (R2, R5, and R7) on NL area were gradually decreased with age. The Pearson correlation coefficient was −0.756 (P < 0.01) between R7 parameter and ages. Also the pixel number of NL area, angle, wrinkle depth on the NL area (Ra), and visual score were decreased elasticity‐dependently. The pixel number of NL area was highly related to Ra (r = 0.567, P < 0.01) and visual score (r = 0.647, P < 0.01). Conclusion This study has shown that NL severity is related to decrease of dermal elasticity and age using quantitative new method by processing optical images.