The Surprising Truth About Prominent Cheekbones
For many, the perception of an aging face includes features that seem to grow or change in ways that make them more pronounced. One common myth is that cheekbones become more prominent as you age. The reality is far more complex and involves a sophisticated interplay of bone density loss, fat redistribution, and declining skin elasticity. Understanding these changes is key to grasping why our faces transform over time and how those cherished cheekbones truly fare.
The Science of Facial Volume Loss
The youthful face is defined by its fullness and soft contours, largely thanks to subcutaneous fat pads that are evenly distributed beneath the skin's surface. As we age, these fat pads begin to shrink and descend due to the forces of gravity and a natural decrease in volume. This descent and shrinking can hollow out the mid-face area, making the underlying cheekbones appear more noticeable by comparison. The optical illusion can lead people to believe the bone itself has become larger, when in fact, the bony structure has simply become more exposed.
The Role of Bone Resorption
Perhaps the most surprising aspect of facial aging is the change in the underlying bone structure. Studies have shown that the bones of the face, including the zygomatic bone that forms the cheekbone, undergo a process called resorption. This means they gradually lose volume and density over time. In contrast to the popular myth, the cheekbones do not expand; rather, they can recede. The loss of bone in the orbit (eye socket) and maxilla (upper jaw) can contribute to a sunken look, further altering the facial scaffolding and changing how the cheek area is perceived.
Changes in Facial Fat Pads
The malar fat pads, which are the main fat deposits in the cheeks, are particularly susceptible to aging. In youth, these pads are high and full, contributing to a healthy, heart-shaped facial appearance. With time, they move downwards, often gathering in the lower face and contributing to the formation of jowls. This descent creates a flattening of the mid-face region and accentuates the bony structure of the cheekbones, even as the bones themselves are shrinking.
How Skin Elasticity Impacts Appearance
Collagen and elastin are the two key proteins responsible for skin's firmness and elasticity. As we get older, the body's production of these proteins slows down, and existing fibers degrade. The result is skin that becomes thinner, looser, and less capable of holding its shape against the contours of the face. This loss of support means the skin no longer lies smoothly over the facial structures, allowing for the formation of wrinkles and accentuating areas of volume loss, including around the cheeks. The skin's reduced ability to 'hug' the cheekbones contributes to their more noticeable appearance.
Factors Influencing Facial Aging
While the aging process is universal, the degree and speed of change can vary significantly among individuals. This is influenced by a combination of genetics and environmental factors.
Genetics and Your Facial Structure
Our genes play a pivotal role in determining the strength of our facial bones, the natural placement of our fat pads, and the rate at which our skin produces collagen and elastin. Some individuals are born with naturally prominent cheekbones, and while they will still experience the effects of aging, the starting point of their facial structure will differ from others. Genetic predisposition is a key reason why some people appear to age more gracefully or differently than their peers.
Lifestyle Choices and Their Effects
Beyond genetics, lifestyle choices can significantly impact the aging of your face:
- Sun Exposure: UV radiation from the sun is a primary contributor to premature skin aging. It breaks down collagen and elastin, leading to wrinkles and a loss of skin firmness.
- Smoking: Chemicals in cigarette smoke weaken collagen and elastin, accelerating skin aging.
- Nutrition and Hydration: A balanced diet rich in antioxidants and proper hydration supports skin health and elasticity.
- Weight Fluctuations: Significant and rapid weight loss can lead to a dramatic reduction in facial fat, which can make cheekbones appear more gaunt and prominent.
Comparing the Youthful vs. Aging Cheek Area
Understanding the differences between a youthful cheek and an aged one can clarify the reasons behind the shifting appearance. This comparison helps illustrate that perception can be deceiving.
A Deeper Look at the Comparison
| Feature | Youthful Cheek Area | Aging Cheek Area |
|---|---|---|
| Fat Volume | High, full malar fat pads, providing a round, soft contour. | Fat pads lose volume and descend, leading to a flatter, hollower appearance. |
| Bone Structure | Strong, dense bone structure providing a solid foundation. | Bone resorption leads to decreased volume and density, particularly around the eyes and cheeks. |
| Skin Elasticity | Abundant collagen and elastin keep the skin tight and firm. | Loss of collagen and elastin leads to sagging skin that no longer supports facial features as well. |
| Visual Effect | Creates a soft, heart-shaped face with smooth transitions. | Results in a more angular look, sometimes with visible jowls, making bones appear more pronounced. |
Addressing Changes to Cheek Prominence with Age
For those concerned about the shifting appearance of their cheeks, several options exist to restore volume and a more youthful contour. These range from non-invasive treatments to surgical procedures.
Non-Surgical Options
- Dermal Fillers: Injectable fillers can be used to restore lost volume in the cheeks, lifting the mid-face and recreating a smoother, fuller contour.
- Botox: For individuals where enlarged facial muscles contribute to a wider appearance, Botox injections can help relax and reduce muscle size.
- Skincare: High-quality skincare products with ingredients like retinoids and antioxidants can help boost collagen production and improve skin health.
- Facial Exercises and Massage: While not a cure, some exercises and massages may help improve facial muscle tone and circulation.
Surgical Considerations
- Fat Grafting: This procedure involves transferring fat from another part of the body to the cheeks to restore lost volume naturally.
- Facelift: A facelift can address significant sagging of the skin and underlying tissues, providing a more defined jawline and mid-face. You can find more information about surgical and non-surgical cosmetic procedures at the American Academy of Facial Esthetics.
- Cheekbone Reduction Surgery: In rare cases, for those whose prominence is due to bone structure, reduction surgery may be an option, but this is a major cosmetic procedure.
Conclusion
In summary, the notion that cheekbones become more prominent as you age is a common misunderstanding. The actual process involves a complex series of events, including the loss and redistribution of facial fat and the resorption of underlying bone structure. These changes, coupled with declining skin elasticity, create an optical illusion that makes the bony structure appear more defined. The reality is that the foundation of our facial structure actually diminishes over time. Understanding these natural changes is crucial for making informed decisions about aging and cosmetic health, should you choose to address them.
