LAUSR

OBJECTIVE The contour of the cheek is the main determinant of facial attractivity. The aim of this study is to evaluate the relationship between age, gender and BMI and cheek fat volume in a large cohort to better understand and treat facial aging. MATERIALS AND METHODS This study was performed by a retrospective review of the archives of the Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University Hospital of Tübingen. Epidemiological data and medical history were assessed. The patients´ cheek superficial and deep fat compartment volumes were measured on magnetic resonance (MR) images. Statistical analyses were performed using the SPSS (Statistical Package for Social Sciences, version 27) and SAS statistical software package (Version 9.1; SAS Institute, Inc, Cary, NC). RESULTS 87 patients with a mean age of 46.0 years (range: 18-81 years) were included. The superficial and deep fat compartment volumes of the cheek increase with BMI (p< 0.001 and p=0.005), but there was no significant relationship between age and volume. The ratio of superficial versus deep fat does not change with age. No significant difference of the superficial or deep fat compartments was found between men and women in a regression analysis (p=0.931 and p=0.057). CONCLUSION Cheek fat volume measurements on MRI scans using reconstruction software suggest that the fat volume of the cheek increases with BMI but does not significantly change with age. Further studies will have to elucidate the role of age-related changes of bone structures or sagging of the fat compartments. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE II (Exploratory cohort study developing diagnostic criteria (with "gold" standard as reference) in a series of consecutive patients).