IMPACT OF GRAVITY ON AGE-RELATED FACIAL PERCEPTION IN AESTHETIC SURGERY

Summary. Introduction: Gravity-induced facial ptosis manifests as changes in the facial contour, puffiness, formation of folds, wrinkles, and bags. The degree of these features depends on the extent of facial tissue descent, which influences the choice of treatment method for gravity-related ptosis. Materials: We analyzed facial photographs of 25 Ukrainian women aged between 25 and 75 years. The photographs were taken in a dark room with a consistent dark background. The patients were photographed in both the standing (orthostatic) and lying (clinostatic) positions. A set of 25 mixed photos was randomly given to two groups of experts (6 members in each group). The experts, who were doctors with daily clinical practice ranging from 10 to 22 years, were asked to assess the patients’ age. The average age for each patient was calculated in both positions based on the obtained data. Results: Overall analysis showed that in the orthostatic position, the experts perceived the patients’ age as approximately one year older than their actual age and 2.4 years older than in the clinostatic position. For patients aged 25 to 52 years, there were no significant differences between the passport age and expert assessment in both orthostatic and clinostatic positions. In patients aged 55 to 75 years, the experts perceived their age as nearly two years older in the orthostatic position and 4.2 years older in the clinostatic position. Conclusion: Vertical wrinkles, particularly in the lower third of the face, have the most significant impact on visual age perception. The current concept of a natural face in aesthetic surgery requires a comprehensive evaluation of age-related facial changes before surgical intervention. Further research into the relationship between the age perception of the patient by others and the influence of gravity on this process will contribute to improving existing and introducing new facelift methods.