A Prospective Observational Study of Facial Aging in Identical Twins Using Three-Dimensional Imaging
Ponsky Facial Aesthetics And Plastic Surgery, Llc
Summary
Identical twins share the same genes, which makes them a powerful way to study how lifestyle and environment - rather than genetics - affect how faces age. This study builds on a landmark 2009 twin study by using modern three-dimensional (3D) facial imaging, which measures facial shape and volume precisely instead of relying on regular photographs. The study will also look at whether use of GLP-1 weight-loss medications (such as semaglutide or tirzepatide), sometimes associated with facial changes informally called "Ozempic face," is related to measurable differences in facial aging. The study will enroll adult identical twin pairs attending the Twins Days Festival in Twinsburg, Ohio, in August 2026. Participation takes about 30 minutes and happens in a single visit at the festival study booth. Each twin will complete a questionnaire about lifestyle, environment, and medical history (such as sun exposure, smoking, sleep, and medication use) and have a 3D image of their face taken with a non-contact camera system. There is no treatment, no medication, no blood draw or biological sample, and no follow-up visit. Researchers will then compare facial measurements within each twin pair to learn which lifestyle and environmental factors are linked to visible facial aging.
Description
This is a prospective, observational, single-site study conducted at the Twins Days Festival, Twinsburg, Ohio (August 8-9, 2026). The design revisits the 2009 identical-twin facial aging study of Guyuron and colleagues with two methodological advances: replacement of standardized two-dimensional photography with three-dimensional facial surface imaging, permitting objective quantitative measurement of volumetric and topographic facial differences, and inclusion of GLP-1 receptor agonist and other rapid weight-loss medication exposure as a facial-aging variable that did not exist as a widesprea…
Eligibility
- Age range
- 18+ years
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- Yes
Inclusion Criteria: * Adults aged 18 years or older * Members of a monozygotic (identical) twin pair, with both twins present and willing to participate * Able to provide written informed consent in English Exclusion Criteria: * Age under 18 years * Inability or unwillingness to provide informed consent * Facial conditions or recent facial surgery that, in the investigator's judgment, would prevent standardized imaging * Pregnancy, by self-report Note: Zygosity is established by participant self-report, supported where available by prior DNA testing or physician confirmation. No genetic te…
Interventions
- DrugGLP-1 Receptor Agonists
Self-reported current or prior use of GLP-1 receptor agonist or other rapid weight-loss medication, recorded by participant questionnaire. No medication is administered, assigned, dispensed, or modified by the study; use is observed as a naturally occurring exposure. For the secondary objective, twin pairs discordant for self-reported GLP-1 receptor agonist use are compared with respect to midface and lower-face volume and contour.
Location
- Ponsky Facial Aesthetics and Plastic Surgery, LLCBeachwood, Ohio