Unmasking the Facial Aging Process
Many people believe that their cheekbones are becoming more prominent as they grow older. This perception is common, but the reality is more nuanced and involves multiple layers of the face changing simultaneously. Instead of the bones themselves growing, a significant loss and redistribution of facial fat and a reduction in bone density are the primary culprits behind this optical illusion. Understanding these changes provides a clearer picture of how and why our faces transform over time.
The Impact of Volume Loss and Redistribution
One of the most noticeable aspects of facial aging is the change in fat distribution. In youth, our faces have abundant, plump fat pads that provide a soft, full contour, particularly in the midface and cheeks. As we age, several things happen to these fat pads:
- Fat Atrophy: The deep and superficial fat pads in the cheeks lose volume and shrink. This volume loss can create a hollowed-out or gaunt appearance.
- Fat Descent: Gravity also plays a role, causing the remaining facial fat to descend. The malar fat pads, located high on the cheeks, tend to move downward and inward over the nasolabial folds (the lines from the nose to the corners of the mouth). This migration contributes to a flattening of the midface.
When the soft tissue volume that once covered the cheekbones recedes, the underlying bone structure becomes more visible and defined. This is what creates the mistaken impression of increasingly prominent cheekbones, when in fact, it's the loss of the surrounding cushioning that is the real cause.
The Science of Facial Bone Remodeling
While changes in soft tissue are visible on the surface, a more fundamental transformation is occurring beneath the skin in the facial skeleton itself. Just like other bones in the body, facial bones undergo a process of remodeling and resorption. Recent medical imaging studies have provided compelling evidence that the facial skeleton shrinks and changes shape with age.
- Reduced Bone Density: As we get older, we experience a gradual decrease in bone density throughout the body, including the face. This bone loss is particularly significant in the midface region.
- Orbital Enlargement: The eye sockets (orbits) tend to enlarge with age. This bone loss around the eyes can cause the eyeballs to appear more sunken and the skin to sag.
- Maxillary and Zygomatic Resorption: The maxilla (upper jawbone) and the zygomatic bones (cheekbones) recede and lose volume. This reduces the projection of the midface and diminishes the structural support for the overlying soft tissues.
These skeletal changes, combined with fat loss, create the characteristic signs of an aging face, such as deepened hollows under the eyes, more pronounced nasolabial folds, and a flattened midface. This comprehensive review of skeletal changes highlights specific areas known to resorb with aging: Insight into age-related changes of the human facial skeleton.
Skin, Muscle, and the Complete Picture
Beyond fat and bone, other factors contribute to the overall change in facial appearance that makes cheekbones seem more defined:
- Decreased Skin Elasticity: The skin's production of collagen and elastin, proteins vital for its firmness and elasticity, slows down significantly with age. The loss of skin elasticity results in sagging and drooping, which alters the facial contours and can make underlying structures appear more noticeable.
- Muscle Tone: Facial muscles can weaken and atrophy over time, further contributing to a loss of definition. The less-toned musculature provides less support, allowing the soft tissue to descend.
- Lifestyle Factors: Habits like smoking, excessive sun exposure, and poor nutrition can accelerate the breakdown of collagen and elastin, intensifying the visible signs of aging.
Comparing a Younger Face to an Aging Face
| Feature | Younger Face | Aging Face |
|---|---|---|
| Midface Volume | Full and plump, providing a heart-shaped contour. | Reduced and shifted downwards, leading to a flatter, sometimes hollowed-out appearance. |
| Cheekbone Visibility | Softly defined by full, high fat pads. | Appears more prominent or angular due to surrounding fat loss and skin sagging. |
| Skin Elasticity | High levels of collagen and elastin create firm, tight skin. | Decreased collagen and elastin lead to laxity, drooping, and fine lines. |
| Bone Structure | Strong, with peak density and projection. | Undergoes resorption, leading to reduced volume, especially in the maxilla and zygomatic bones. |
| Overall Shape | Characterized by the "triangle of youth," with the base at the cheeks and the apex at the chin. | Can invert to resemble a trapezoid, with a wider, sagging lower face. |
Can you influence the process?
While the underlying structural changes of aging are inevitable, lifestyle choices can help support healthy facial aging and skin. Maintaining a healthy diet, staying hydrated, protecting your skin from the sun, and avoiding smoking can all contribute to preserving skin quality and slowing down the aging process.
Conclusion
In summary, the perception that cheekbones get more prominent with age is a common misconception. The aging face is defined by a decrease in supportive facial fat and bone density, along with a loss of skin elasticity. These combined effects cause the cheekbones to become more exposed and angular, creating the illusion of increased prominence. Understanding this complex process, rather than focusing on superficial changes, provides a clearer perspective on the true nature of facial aging and empowers individuals to make informed choices about their health and appearance. The underlying narrative isn't about gaining prominence, but rather about losing the youthful fullness that once concealed your features. Therefore, while your cheekbones might look sharper, the true story is one of gradual structural change.
