Dynamic Periocular Wrinkle Patterns: An Anatomical Study on Young Adults

TL;DR

This study examines dynamic wrinkle patterns around the eyes in young adults to identify early signs of aging and sex differences.

Contribution

A new classification of dynamic periorbital wrinkle patterns in young adults is introduced, revealing sex-specific differences.

Findings

Oblique lines from the medial and lateral canthus to the upper corners were the most common upper periorbital wrinkle pattern.

Males showed a higher prevalence of no specific wrinkle pattern in the medial region compared to females.

Females were more likely to exhibit miniature crow's feet-like wrinkles laterally.

Abstract

Aging causes facial wrinkles, especially dynamic wrinkles related to mimic movements, predisposing areas to static wrinkles from a young age, notably in the periorbital region. This study aims to analyze dynamic wrinkle patterns on periorbital skin during mimic movements in healthy young adults to identify wrinkle precursor regions.

Dynamic periorbital wrinkle patterns were analyzed in 184 healthy adults (93 females, 91 males) aged 18–24 years. Standardized facial photographs were taken at rest and during various mimic movements. The periorbital region was divided into superior, inferior, lateral, and medial subregions; wrinkle patterns were classified and analyzed. Interobserver and intraobserver reliability were assessed.

In the upper periorbital region, the most common wrinkle pattern was oblique lines extending from the medial and lateral canthus to the upper corners (Type 3, 56%). Inferiorly, the most common pattern was a linear wave from the lateral canthus to the lateral margin (Type 3, 25.5%). Medially, no specific pattern (Type 6, 33.2%) and an arrowhead‐like motif directed toward the medial canthus (Type 2, 20.7%) were prevalent. Laterally, radial waves extending from the lateral canthus to the lateral brow tip were most common (Type 1, 34.8%). The absence of a distinct wrinkle pattern in the medial region was more common in men than in women (48.4% vs. 17.6%). Males were more likely to have wrinkle patterns consisting of oblique short lines in the inferolateral direction in the inferior region (Type 2, 31.2%). Miniature crow's feet‐like wrinkles were more common in females.

This study presents a new classification of dynamic wrinkle patterns in the periorbital region in young adults, highlighting sex differences.

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