Plastic surgeons have long debated the mechanisms associated with facial aging:are they more related to “deflation” or “prolapse”? A new study helps settle the debate, showing significant loss of volume in the upper lip in older adults.
The researchers analyzed magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans of the head obtained for other reasons in 200 adults:100 women and 100 men. Participants were divided into a younger group aged 20 to 30 years and an older group aged 65 to 80 years. Detailed measurements of the “upper lip unit” were analyzed to evaluate the differences between the two groups, with an average age difference of nearly 50 years.
The measurements revealed a number of age-related differences in upper lip anatomy. These include significant elongation of the upper lip in older adults:about 19 percent longer in women and 18 percent longer in men, compared to the younger group.
The older group also had reduced upper lip soft tissue thickness:by about 41 percent in women and 33 percent in men. Most of the reduction in tissue thickness has occurred at the “alar nasolabial fold” – the top of the lines running from the base of the nose to the corners of the lips.
The findings suggest that age-related elongation and thinning of the upper lip is more than just “sagging”. The researchers write, “[V]olume loss is an obvious feature of the aging upper lip.” Loss of soft tissue volume also appears to contribute to deepening of the nasolabial folds, a prominent feature of the aging face.
Lengthening, thinning and loss of volume all contribute to the aging of the mouth area, the study suggests. The findings add to the evidence base underlying plastic surgery and other cosmetic procedures for facial rejuvenation.
