ULTRASOUND POSSIBILITIES IN ASSESSING THE MORPHOLOGY OF THE FACE AND NECK SKIN

Abstract

Introduction. The results of recent studies described the effect of estrogens on the skin. It is relevant to study the possibility of assessing the morphology of the face and neck skin in women using the ultrasound method, including at menstrual cycle different periods, which was the goal of this work. Materials and methods. The thickness of the epidermis, dermis, and hypodermis was investigated in 122 women aged 15 to 75 years in different face and neck zones using an ultrasound scanner MINDRAY DC-8 Expert based on the Department of Fundamental Medicine of the Kant Baltic Federal University. Statistical analysis was performed with the Statgraphics and StatPlus software packages. Results. We had analyzed the thickness of the epidermal echo, dermis and subcutaneous tissue, the surface area of individual layers, the thickness of the subepidermal band with a low echogenic effect. Was established relationship (r=0.58) between the thickness of the skin and the phase of the menstrual cycle in the examined women: a thickening of the epidermis, dermis and hypodermis in the area between the eyebrows, chin, nasolabial folds and cheek areas was revealed in the examined women in the luteal phase (15-28 cycle days). Discussion. Our data can be explained by the effect of estrogens on the skin, resulting in retention of interstitial fluid in the skin. Coclusions. The possibilities of ultrasound diagnostics make it possible to assess the morphology of the skin of the face and neck in women. Thickening of the skin layers in the second phase of the menstrual cycle has been proven, which is possibly because of estrogens influence on the skin.