Quantitative 3-dimensional Geometry of the Aging Eyelids

• Published in: Plastic and reconstructive surgery. Global open Vol. 7; no. 11; p. e2512
• Main Authors: Flores, Cristina A., Mundy, Joseph L., Byrne, Margaret E., Gonzalez, Jose A., Taylor, Helena O.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States The Authors. Published by Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc. on behalf of The American Society of Plastic Surgeons 01.11.2019; Copyright The Authors. Published by Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc. on behalf of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons. All rights reserved; Wolters Kluwer Health; Wolters Kluwer
• Subjects: Original
• ISSN: 2169-7574; 2169-7574
• DOI: 10.1097/GOX.0000000000002512

BACKGROUND:Although facial aging is a well-known phenomenon, it has not been comprehensively characterized in 3 dimensions. This study introduces a novel technique for capturing periorbital structures across age groups using 3-dimensional (3D) imaging and point cloud data collection. METHODS:Forty-six white women were divided into 3 age groups20–39 years, 40–59 years, and 60+ years. Patients were scanned with the Canfield 3D photogrammetry system, and data files were exported to the point cloud processing software CloudCompare. Manually selected points specifying eyelid margins, creases, and 5 key periorbital features provided the basis for a fitted model and principal component analysis (PCA). Potential statistical significance across age groups was assessed for PCA values corresponding to each subjectʼs eyelid geometry. RESULTS:Three tendencies emerged with respect to increasing age and eyelid anatomythe width and height of the palpebral fissure decreases, with the width decreasing more rapidly; the depth of the lateral canthus relative to the medial canthus decreases; and the superior crease becomes more variable. Analyses of variance of PCA values across age groups show statistically significant differences between the youngest and oldest groups. CONCLUSIONS:Three-dimensional photogrammetry enables rigorous and reliable evaluation of the aging eyelid. Results suggest age-induced changes to eyelid margin, crease, and lateral canthus positions, which have been noted anecdotally but poorly quantified until now.