The Surprising Reality of Aging Facial Bones
Contrary to the common belief that cheekbones become more prominent or "higher" with age, scientific studies show the opposite is true. The facial skeleton, including the zygomatic bones (cheekbones), undergoes a process of bone resorption and remodeling throughout adulthood. This means that over time, we actually lose bone density in the face, causing the underlying framework to shrink and change shape.
The perception of higher cheekbones is an optical illusion created by the shifting of other facial components. The combination of facial bone loss and the downward migration of fat pads contributes to a less-supported facial structure. This leads to a flatter midface, deepening of nasolabial folds, and a less defined jawline.
The Role of Facial Fat Pads
Subcutaneous fat pads, which give the face its youthful volume and contour, are a significant factor in how the cheeks appear to change. In a younger face, these fat pads are plump and evenly distributed. With age, the deep fat pads in the cheeks deflate and migrate downwards due to gravity and weakened connective tissue. This causes the formerly soft, rounded contours of the midface to flatten and can expose the underlying bony structure more sharply. The result is that the cheekbones may seem more defined or prominent, but it is the loss of surrounding soft tissue that creates this effect, not a physical elevation of the bone itself.
The Impact of Skin and Collagen Loss
As the scaffolding of the face—the bone and fat—recedes, the overlying skin and muscle layers are left with less support. Skin loses elasticity and produces less collagen and elastin, leading to sagging and a less firm texture. This skin laxity further contributes to the impression of a sunken midface and accentuates the angles of the cheekbones, which may be misinterpreted as a lift. The loss of volume and elasticity leads to a gradual drooping of the skin, with facial folds becoming more pronounced.
Comparing a Youthful Face to an Aging Face
Understanding the differences between a young and an aging face can clarify why cheekbones appear to change. The comparison highlights how the interplay of bone, fat, and skin creates a changing facial landscape over time.
| Characteristic | Youthful Face | Aging Face |
|---|---|---|
| Cheekbones | Covered by plump, high-set fat pads, creating a smooth, rounded contour. | Fat pads migrate downwards, exposing more of the underlying bony structure and creating a flatter midface. |
| Facial Fat | Evenly distributed, providing volume and filling out the cheeks. | Atrophies and shifts downwards, leading to volume loss in the upper cheeks and hollowing under the eyes. |
| Bone Structure | Dense and voluminous, providing a strong foundation for the facial tissues. | Experiences bone resorption, causing a decrease in density and volume, which can lead to a less defined jawline. |
| Skin Elasticity | High levels of collagen and elastin maintain firm, taut skin. | Reduced production of collagen and elastin causes skin to become thinner and less elastic, leading to sagging. |
| Facial Contours | Smooth, heart-shaped, with a gradual transition from cheeks to jawline. | More squared or trapezoidal shape due to sagging jowls and prominent nasolabial folds. |
How to Address Age-Related Facial Changes
While the illusion of higher cheekbones is not a positive sign of aging, there are various ways to manage and address age-related changes in facial structure. A combination of lifestyle choices and medical interventions can help maintain a more youthful appearance.
Non-Surgical Options
For those seeking less invasive solutions, several aesthetic medicine options are available:
- Dermal Fillers: Injectable fillers, such as hyaluronic acid, can be used to restore lost volume in the cheeks and around the eye area. This helps to recreate the youthful, rounded contours of the midface.
- Thread Lifts: This procedure involves inserting dissolvable threads under the skin to physically lift and tighten sagging tissue. The threads also stimulate collagen production, offering both immediate and long-term improvements.
- Fat Grafting: A more natural approach, fat grafting involves harvesting a patient's own fat from another area of the body and injecting it into the cheeks to restore volume.
- Skincare: A consistent routine that includes SPF to protect from sun damage, retinol to boost collagen production, and moisturizers can improve skin texture and elasticity.
Surgical Options
For more dramatic and permanent results, surgical procedures can provide a lasting solution:
- Cheek Lifts (Midface Lifts): This procedure repositions the deep malar fat pads and tightens the skin in the midface area to restore a more youthful contour and minimize sagging.
- Cheek Implants: In cases of significant bone resorption, solid implants can be placed over the cheekbones to add permanent volume and definition.
- Facelifts: A traditional facelift focuses on lifting and tightening the muscles and skin in the lower face and neck, but it can also be combined with other procedures to address midface sagging.
Long-Term Impact of Bone Loss
Loss of facial bone density is not merely a cosmetic concern. Bone resorption can also be influenced by larger systemic issues, such as osteoporosis. A healthy lifestyle, including a balanced diet rich in calcium and Vitamin D, along with weight-bearing exercise, can support overall bone health and potentially mitigate some of the age-related bone loss in the face and body.
It is essential to consult with a qualified professional to get a proper assessment of your facial structure and discuss the best approach for your specific goals. For more in-depth medical information on facial anatomy and aging, consider exploring authoritative sources like the National Institutes of Health.
NIH offers a wealth of research on facial structure and aging processes.
