Noninvasive Three-Dimensional Analysis of In Vivo Human Skin Using the Next-Generation Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT), Fourier Domain OCT

Abstract

Two-dimensional image by conventional optical coherence tomography (OCT) is very useful in dermatology. Recently, Fourier domain OCT (FD-OCT), which includes spectral domain OCT (SD-OCT) and swept source OCT (SS-OCT), has been developed as a new modality that produces fast and highly sensitive OCT images. These new OCTs enable real-time, video rate cross-sectional imaging and three-dimensional analysis. Moreover, polarization sensitive SD-OCT provides three dimensional information about collagen structure in the skin. Noninvasive in vivo three-dimensional analysis offers a new way to investigate the relationship between surface morphology (wrinkles, textures, and facial pores) and the internal structure of the skin.