Age‐related changes in the fiber structure around adipocytes in the subcutaneous fat layer and their association with skin viscoelasticity

Objective Age‐related changes in the fiber structure around adipocytes were investigated via scanning electron microscopy (SEM) of excised skin tissues. In addition, the viscoelasticity of the subcutaneous fat layer was evaluated via elastography, and the association between the fiber structure and the viscoelastic properties was assessed. Methods Skin tissues excised from the facial cheek area were used. Then, SEM images of these tissues were obtained. The thickness and quantity of the fibers around adipocytes were assessed using a 5‐point scale. The score was used to grade 18 tissue samples. Moreover, the viscoelasticity of the subcutaneous fat layer in the same samples was evaluated via ultrasound elastography. Results Based on the SEM image score, an association was observed between the fiber status score and age, thereby indicating a tendency toward age‐related fibrosis. Fiber structures with high scores, which indicate fibrosis, had a significantly lower viscoelasticity based on ultrasound elastography. Conclusion The thickness and quantity of fibrous structures around adipocytes in the subcutaneous fat layer increase with age, and these changes can be associated with decreased viscoelasticity in the subcutaneous fat layer.