Facial bone remodeling: a lifelong process
Research indicates that the facial skeleton continues to change throughout life, a process known as remodeling. This involves both bone loss and growth, subtly altering the facial profile over time. The mandible (lower jaw) and maxilla (upper jaw) both undergo these changes.
While men may experience a gradual widening and lengthening of the mandible, women often see different changes, particularly after menopause. Around age 50, bone resorption can become more significant for women, potentially leading to decreased bone density in the jaw and a softer jawline.
The impact of hormones and bone density
Estrogen is vital for maintaining bone density, and its decline during menopause can accelerate bone loss, including in the jawbone. This can weaken the jaw structure and potentially affect teeth. Men's bone changes are typically more gradual, with their jaw remodeling often continuing along the same patterns as in adolescence, resulting in a more consistent size increase.
The role of soft tissue and its effect on appearance
Changes in soft tissues like facial fat, collagen, and elastin significantly impact the visible appearance of the jawline as we age.
Comparing bone changes vs. soft tissue changes
| Feature | Bone Remodeling | Soft Tissue Changes |
|---|---|---|
| Timing | Continuous throughout life; accelerates in women after menopause. | Begins earlier; fat descent typically starts in mid-40s. |
| Effect | Can lead to bone loss (resorption) or subtle growth (apposition). | Causes sagging, jowls, and loss of skin elasticity. |
| Perceived Outcome | Receding chin and jawline; less structural support. | The illusion of a larger, heavier lower face due to sagging. |
| Primary Cause | Hormonal changes (e.g., estrogen decline) and natural aging. | Loss of collagen, elastin, and gravitational effects on fat pads. |
Sagging skin, not bigger bones
A decline in collagen and elastin reduces skin firmness, leading to sagging. Simultaneously, facial fat pads lose volume and shift downwards, forming jowls along the jawline. This can make the jawline appear heavier and less defined, even if the underlying bone is receding.
Lifestyle and other contributing factors
Genetics influence facial aging, but factors like sun exposure and smoking can accelerate collagen damage. Maintaining a healthy, stable weight helps preserve skin elasticity. A balanced diet and hydration also support skin health, potentially contributing to a more defined jawline.
What are the possible solutions?
Various options exist to address the aging appearance of the jawline:
- Dermal Fillers: Can enhance jawline contour and mask sagging.
- Radiofrequency Treatments: Stimulate collagen production to tighten skin.
- Injectable Fat Dissolvers: Target and dissolve submental fat to improve definition.
- Surgical Options: Facelifts or neck lifts offer more dramatic, lasting results by removing excess skin and repositioning tissues.
- Facial Exercises: Can tone muscles for subtle improvements but do not change bone structure.
Conclusion: the full picture
The idea that women's jaws get bigger with age is largely due to the effects of aging on soft tissues. While the jawbone changes throughout life, particularly with bone loss post-menopause, sagging skin and the downward shift of fat create the illusion of a heavier, less defined jawline. The bone offers less support over time, and the soft tissue changes are more visible. Addressing these signs of aging often involves targeting soft tissue with non-surgical or surgical procedures.
Learn more about facial aging
For further reading on the complex relationship between bone, fat, and muscle in the aging face, a study published in Aesthetic Surgery Journal offers detailed insights into the structural changes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do female and male jaws age differently?
Yes, studies show distinct sex-specific patterns in how the jaws age. While men's mandibles may exhibit more consistent growth, women tend to experience more bone resorption, especially in the chin area, accelerating during and after menopause due to declining estrogen levels.
How does menopause affect the jawline?
Menopause causes a significant drop in estrogen, a hormone crucial for bone density. This hormonal change can accelerate bone resorption in the jaw, potentially leading to a softer jawline, tooth mobility, and an increased risk of dental issues.
Can facial exercises prevent or reverse age-related jawline changes?
Facial exercises, sometimes called face yoga, can help tone and strengthen facial muscles, which may slightly improve the appearance of the jawline. However, they cannot alter the underlying bone structure or reverse significant sagging caused by a decline in collagen and elastin.
Do jaw exercises like mewing work for older women?
There is limited scientific evidence to support the claims that mewing, or specific tongue-positioning exercises, can reshape the jaw structure in adults. While it may mildly tone muscles, it is not a proven method for correcting age-related changes in bone or skin laxity.
What are jowls and what causes them?
Jowls are the saggy areas of skin and fat that form below the jawline. They are caused by a combination of factors, including the loss of collagen and elastin, the downward migration of facial fat pads, and weakening facial muscles.
Is it true that our face shape becomes more square as we get older?
As we age, the face can appear more square-shaped due to the downward shift of facial fat and skin, which widens the lower half of the face. The youthful "inverted triangle" of a wider upper face and narrower jawline inverts over time.
How can I minimize the appearance of a sagging jawline?
To minimize the appearance of a sagging jawline, consider lifestyle measures like sun protection, a balanced diet, and staying hydrated to preserve collagen. Non-invasive treatments such as dermal fillers, radiofrequency, and focused exercises can also help. For more dramatic results, surgical options are available.
