High resolution facial skin imaging with three-dimensional ultrasound microscope

Abstract

High Resolution Skin Imaging method with Three-dimensional Ultrasound Microscope is characterized by noninvasiveness and deep penetration, and it is possible to realize high resolution imaging by using high frequency ultrasound. In the present study, the forehead and cheek of twenty female subjects in the age range between 25 and 40 was observed. A 120 MHz-PVDFTrFE concave transducer with the aperture diameter of 2.4 mm and focal length of 4.0 mm was mechanically scanned. The scan area was 4.8 mm wide and 3.0 mm deep. The surface of the epidermis of the forehead was uneven and the thickness was thicker than that of cheek (forehead: 129 ± 28 μm, cheek: 77 ± 18 μm, p<0.0001). There was no significant correlation between the skin thickness and age. As compared with cheek, the skin surface of the forehead was irregular. The present study showed the image quality of the sebaceous glands was better in the cheek compared to the forehead. With regard to average sebaceous gland size and occupied ratio, decreasing trend were observed in association with increasing in age. The 3D-USM is a feasible modality to observe the epidermis, dermis and sebaceous glands clearly and to apply for assessment of skin aging subjects.