A key of facial muscle aging: locational changes in modiolus measured with ultrasonography

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the changes in the location of the modiolus, a fibromuscular structure between the orbicularis oris and lip dilator muscles, with aging in Asian individuals. METHODS: The position of the modiolus was evaluated using ultrasound imaging in 45 young (20s) and 45 elderly (80s) Asian participants of both sexes. RESULTS: A statistically significant (p<0.05) downward and inward shift in the location of the modiolus was observed with aging. CONCLUSION: The aging process is associated with laxity of the lip elevator muscles and increased contracture of the lip depressor muscles, as indicated by the changes in modiolus position. These findings may have implications for facial rejuvenation procedures.