The Foundation Shift: How Facial Bones Change
Contrary to the belief that the face merely sags, recent studies reveal that the underlying facial skeleton is constantly remodeling with age, leading to subtle yet significant changes in facial shape. A 2011 study published by the American Society of Plastic Surgeons demonstrated that facial bones change predictably as people get older. The skeletal framework, which provides support for the facial tissues, undergoes specific patterns of bone loss and resorption.
Key bone changes include:
- Enlarging eye sockets (orbits): As the bony eye sockets get larger, the surrounding area loses support. This can cause the eyes to appear more hollow and contribute to the deepening of tear troughs.
- Maxillary resorption: The midface region, specifically the maxilla (upper jawbone), experiences a significant loss of bone mass. This causes the midface to recede, which in turn leads to a flattened cheek appearance and a loss of support for the overlying tissues.
- Mandibular changes: While the mandible (jawbone) can show signs of resorption, especially after tooth loss, it can also undergo subtle changes in shape. The jaw angle tends to increase with age, making the jawline appear less defined and potentially wider.
- Retrusive jaw: The degradation and rotation of the central face and jaw bones lead to a diminished bone scaffold, which then causes the overlying skin and fat to appear looser and heavier.
The Role of Fat Pads and Soft Tissue Migration
Beyond the bony changes, the redistribution and shifting of facial fat are major contributors to the appearance of a wider, more bottom-heavy face. In youth, facial fat is evenly distributed in pads that provide a plump, full look. As we age, these fat pads undergo a process of deflation and descent.
- Deflation and descent: Fat pads in the upper parts of the face, like the cheeks and temples, shrink and move downwards due to gravity and weakened connective tissues. This descent of volume from the midface contributes to the deepening of the nasolabial folds (smile lines) and the formation of marionette lines.
- Lower face accumulation: At the same time, some fat tends to accumulate in the lower half of the face. The combination of mid-face deflation and lower-face volume accumulation is what creates the dreaded 'jowly' appearance and gives the impression of a wider jawline and neck.
Comparison Table: Youthful vs. Aging Facial Structure
| Feature | Youthful Face | Aging Face |
|---|---|---|
| Face Shape | Inverted triangle (wide upper face, narrow jaw) | Pyramid or square shape (midface deflation, wider lower face) |
| Fat Distribution | Plump, evenly distributed fat pads in cheeks and temples | Fat pads descend, causing midface hollows and jowls |
| Jawline | Defined and contoured | Softer, less defined, and heavier due to sagging skin and fat migration |
| Cheeks | High and full | Flattened due to bone loss and fat descent |
| Eyes | Smaller, rounder eye sockets | Eye sockets enlarge, making eyes appear more sunken |
The Impact of Reduced Skin Elasticity and Gravity
Loss of elasticity is another significant factor that contributes to the facial changes experienced with age. The skin, which is held taut by proteins like collagen and elastin, becomes thinner and drier over time. Without the robust structural support of youth, gravity's relentless downward pull becomes more apparent.
This loss of skin tone and elasticity exacerbates the effects of fat and bone changes:
- Sagging: As collagen and elastin diminish, the skin loses its ability to bounce back, leading to a drooping or lax appearance.
- Wrinkles and folds: The sagging of tissues over a changing bone structure leads to the deepening of lines and wrinkles, such as nasolabial folds and marionette lines.
- Amplified effect: The weakened skin acts like an oversized envelope for a shrinking facial skeleton, making wrinkles and folds more pronounced and visible.
Mitigating and Addressing Facial Aging
While the aging process is natural and unavoidable, several lifestyle and cosmetic strategies can help manage and reduce its effects. For instance, maintaining a healthy weight can prevent excess fat accumulation in the face, while proper hydration and sun protection can help preserve skin elasticity.
- Non-invasive treatments: For those seeking to address specific signs of aging, options like dermal fillers can help restore lost volume in the cheeks and temples. Other treatments, such as fractional laser or microneedling, stimulate collagen production to improve skin texture and firmness.
- Surgical options: In more advanced cases, surgical procedures like a facelift or neck lift can address significant sagging by repositioning and tightening facial tissues.
- Lifestyle habits: Beyond cosmetic procedures, maintaining good sleep habits, eating a balanced diet, limiting alcohol and sodium intake, and exercising regularly can all contribute to a healthier appearance and may help reduce facial swelling or puffiness.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the impression that faces get wider as you get older is largely a result of structural changes rather than overall expansion. The facial skeleton loses bone density in the midface while the orbits enlarge, causing cheeks to flatten. Simultaneously, fat pads migrate downwards and accumulate in the lower face, creating jowls and a less defined jawline. Combined with reduced skin elasticity, these factors invert the youthful “triangle of beauty” into a heavier, bottom-focused shape, giving the appearance of a wider face. Understanding this multifaceted process is key to exploring the right preventative and restorative options.
Disclaimer: Consult with a medical professional, such as a dermatologist or plastic surgeon, to discuss appropriate treatment options for facial aging.
