Location-specific mechanical response and morphology of facial soft tissues.

Abstract

The facial tissue of 9 healthy volunteers (m/f; age: 23-60y) is characterized at three different locations using a procedure combining suction measurements and 18MHz ultrasound imaging. The time-dependent and multilayered nature of skin is accounted for by adopting multiple loading protocols which differ with respect to suction probe opening size and rate of tissue deformation. Over 700 suction measurements were conducted and analyzed according to location-specific mechanical and morphological characteristics. All corresponding data are reported and made available for facial tissue analysis and biomechanical modeling. Higher skin stiffness is measured at the forehead in comparison to jaw and parotid; these two regions are further characterized by lower creep deformation. Thicker tissue regions display a tendency towards a more compliant and less dissipative response. Comparison of superficial layer thickness and corresponding mechanical measurements suggests that connective tissue density determines the resistance to deformation in suction experiments.