ABSTRACT
Objective@#To construct the three-dimensional (3D) average face of Han women of different age groups in northern China.@*Methods@#From October 2016 to May 2017, a total of 187 facial 3D photographs of Han women aged from 20 to 65 in northern China were collected, using 3D photography technology. The subjects were divided into four groups according to their ages. The reverse engineering software and mathematical modeling software were used to construct the three-dimensional average faces of each group. Subjective description, deviation analysis and linear measurements were performed to analyze the facial morphology changing with age.@*Results@#(1) The average faces of the twenties and thirties showed insignificantly differences in periorbital area and cheilion. Those in the thirties and forties showed loosen of upper eyelids, obvious depression in frontal and temporal area, and downward and backward movement of lower face. The differences between the forties and fifties could be described as sagging and dropping, which may be caused by the drooping of facial soft tissue. They were most obvious in the lateral upper eyelid, followed by nasolabial groove and ridge, lips and chin. (2) The average epicanthus and ocular width narrowed with age, however, nasal width, height and length increased. Oral width and philtrum length significantly increased with age, accompanying with decreased upper and lower vermilion height.@*Conclusions@#The facial morphology of Han women in northern China changed most significantly when they in their forties. Facial soft tissue sagging and dropping mainly occurred in their fifties. The construction of 3D average face can be clinically applied and show the common facial features of a specific population. It has the potential to be applied in a variety of clinical studies in the future. Our findings can be used as guidance of facial rejuvenation treatment.