Tests
1st tests to order
macrophotography
Test
Quality standardized form of high-resolution digital photography that demonstrates facial lines and wrinkles with accuracy.
Should be undertaken before any treatment and provides accurate pre- and post-treatment images.[19]
Result
facial lines and wrinkles
Tests to consider
skin biopsy
Test
Histologic exam should only be performed to rule out other entities in the differential diagnosis.[36]
The epidermis thins and atrophies with age. Desmoplakins outlining the cellular contours of keratinocytes are confirmatory. Under wrinkles, collagen (types IV and VII) is decreased in the dermoepidermal junction and oxytalan fibers are decreased. There is deposition of abnormal elastotic tissue in the dermis, with interruption under wrinkles. Along with collagen atrophy, this magnifies the wrinkle depth. Chondroitin sulfates in the papillary dermis are decreased. Glycosaminoglycans are altered with asymmetric variation at the wrinkle edge. There is atrophy of the hypodermis with thickening of the fibrous lines. This makes the wrinkle depth more pronounced.
Result
desmoplakins outline keratinocytes, decreased collagen (types IV and VII) in the dermoepidermal junction, decreased oxytalan fibers, decreased chondroitin sulfates in the papillary dermis, altered glycosaminoglycans, thickening of fibrous lines in the hypodermis
Emerging tests
profilometer
Test
A mechanical or optical profilometer and an image analyzing computer are used to measure wrinkle depth. These measurements are confined to superficial wrinkles only, not facial furrows or folds.[31]
Negative silicone rubber replicas of facial wrinkles are converted into hard, positive resin impressions and analyzed directly using a simple light microscope.
Result
wrinkle depth
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