Dermal anchoring structures: Convex matrix structures at the bottom of the dermal layer that contribute to the maintenance of facial skin morphology

Background/Purpose: Facial skin must be linked to underlying structures to maintain facial morphology and prevent sagging, but the mechanism of facial skin retention is largely unknown. We aimed to elucidate this mechanism. Methods: Twenty-two cheek skin specimens (age range: 10s-60s, both genders) were observed histologically. And 30 cheek of healthy Japanese volunteers (age range: 30s-50s, female) was photographed and the severity of sagging was graded. Dermal layer morphology was observed non-invasively with ultrasound. Skin-retaining force was measured with a Cutometer MPA 580^®, and sagging severity was evaluated by grading criteria. Results: Histological observation revealed characteristic convex structures at the bottom of the dermal layer. Non-invasive study showed that the depth of the convex structures, measured by ultrasonography, was significantly negatively related to the ratio of viscoelastic to elastic distention (Uv/Ue) and positively related to the ratio of elastic recovery to total deformation (Ur/Uf) at the cheek of female volunteers, measured by cutometer. It was also negatively related to sagging severity. Further, Ur/Uf was negatively and Uv/Ue was positively related to sagging severity. Conclusion: Characteristic convex structures at the bottom of the dermal layer serve as anchoring structures to maintain skin morphology.