Ultrasound Biomicroscopy for Evaluation of Skin of the Temporal Region in Obese Middle Aged Females

UBM for Temporal Skin in Females

Abstract

Background: skin of the temporal region is a common site for aging marks and hence rejuvenation procedures. Accurate localization of the layer of the skin to deliver the injected material is crucial for highly aesthetic outcomes. This study was conducted to evaluate the structure of the skin of the temporal region using UBM.

Methods: study participants (45 healthy female volunteers) were screened by a specialized dermatologist and the temporal region was examined. Fitzpatrick skin classification scheme was applied and the anthropometric measurements (weight and height) were obtained. The UBM machine (Acutome (Sonomed, USATM)) was used. The captured scans were then examined to extract the relevant data (thicknesses of the epidermis, dermis and its layers, hypodermis).

Results: the mean(± standard deviation) age of the study participants was 47.8 ± 8.2 years and the mean(± standard deviation) body mass index (BMI) was 30.6 ± 3.9 Kg/m2. The mean(±Standard deviation,range,median) of the epidermis, dermis and hypodermis layers of the skin were 0.08(±0.02,0.04–0.13,0.08), 1.28(±0.32,0.69–1.96,1.27) and 0.84(±0.21,0.46–1.73,0.82) mm respectively. There was a statistically significant positive correlation between the BMI and the thickness of the hypodermis layer of the skin (p=0.03).

Conclusion: UBM provides valuable information on and measurements of the skin of the temporal region of the face in females. Skin layers thicknesses do not change significantly with age or with skin pigmentation. Plumper females have thicker hypodermis in the skin of the temporal region of the face.