Understanding if and why your face gets wider when you grow up

According to extensive craniofacial research, the human facial skeleton continues to remodel and expand gradually throughout life, not just during puberty. So, the question, does your face get wider when you grow up?, has a far more complex answer than a simple yes or no, involving a combination of subtle bone changes and the dramatic redistribution of soft tissues.

Quick Summary

The face does change shape throughout adulthood, often appearing wider and heavier in the lower half due to continuous bone remodeling, shifting fat pads, and declining muscle tone.

Key Points

• Continuous Bone Remodeling: Contrary to popular belief, facial bones continue to change throughout life, subtly expanding in width and height.

• Fat Pad Redistribution: The 'widening' is often an illusion caused by the downward migration of facial fat pads, which flattens the cheeks and increases volume in the lower face.

• Collagen and Elastin Decline: A loss of these crucial skin proteins causes sagging, contributing to a heavier, less defined jawline and a wider-appearing lower face.

• Muscle Weakening: Weakening facial muscles and ligaments exacerbate the effects of gravity, leading to drooping tissues and a less sculpted look.

• Lifestyle and Genetics Play a Role: Factors like genetics, weight fluctuations, and habits like excessive chewing can influence the degree and pattern of facial changes.

The Surprising Truth About Continuous Facial Growth

Contrary to the common belief that bone growth ceases after puberty, studies show that the facial skeleton continuously remodels throughout life. This process, involving both bone resorption and formation, is subtle but cumulative, and it is a major reason for the changes in facial shape over time. As we age, the face tends to expand slightly in both horizontal and vertical dimensions. For example, the orbital sockets can enlarge, and the jawbone undergoes remodeling that can change the definition of the jawline. This continuous, slow-burn process contributes significantly to the adult facial structure, making it appear different from the youthful face.

Shifting Soft Tissues and the Inversion of the 'Triangle of Youth'

One of the most noticeable changes related to facial widening is the redistribution of soft tissues, particularly fat. In youth, the face is often characterized by the 'triangle of youth,' where the widest part of the face is at the cheeks, tapering down to a narrow chin. As we age, this triangle can invert, leading to a wider-looking lower face.

The Role of Fat Pads

• Cheek Fat Descent: The facial fat pads that once provided youthful volume in the cheeks begin to thin and descend over time. This descent can flatten the mid-face and create more prominent nasolabial folds, the lines that run from the sides of the nose to the corners of the mouth.
• Jowling: The downward migration of fat and skin can collect along the jawline, leading to the formation of jowls. This adds width and heaviness to the lower portion of the face, obscuring the sharp lines of a youthful jaw.
• Submental Fat Accumulation: Fat can also accumulate under the chin, contributing to a broader or fuller appearance in the lower face and neck area.

Declining Muscle Tone

Beneath the skin and fat, the facial muscles also lose their strength and elasticity. This gravitational pull contributes to the overall sagging that can make the face appear wider, particularly along the jaw and neck. The platysma muscles in the neck can separate, further contributing to a loose, 'turkey gobbler' appearance.

The Breakdown of Collagen and Elastin

Collagen and elastin are essential proteins that provide the skin with its firmness, elasticity, and structure. As we get older, the production of these proteins slows down, and existing fibers degrade. This causes the skin to lose its structural support, becoming thinner and drier. The diminished skin elasticity, combined with the loss of fat and the effects of gravity, causes the skin to sag and droop, exacerbating the appearance of a wider, heavier lower face.

Factors Influencing Facial Changes Over Time

While aging is a primary driver, several other factors influence how a face changes.

1. Genetics: Heredity plays a significant role in determining your facial structure and how it will age. Some people are naturally predisposed to having a broader facial skeleton or retaining more fat in certain areas.
2. Lifestyle Habits: Certain lifestyle choices can contribute to a wider facial appearance. For example, excessive chewing, whether of gum or hard foods, can enlarge the masseter muscles of the jaw. Similarly, weight fluctuations can affect fat distribution in the face.
3. Hormonal Shifts: Hormonal changes, particularly in women during menopause, can lead to thinning skin and a more rapid loss of collagen, which impacts overall facial shape.
4. Environmental Factors: Sun exposure and other environmental damage can accelerate the breakdown of collagen and elastin, leading to premature aging and skin laxity.

Comparison of Youthful vs. Aging Face

Feature	Youthful Face	Aging Face
Face Shape	Often heart-shaped, with widest point at the cheeks, tapering to the chin.	Can become more square or trapezoidal, with more volume in the lower face.
Cheeks	Full and high, with defined contours.	Flattened, with descending fat pads.
Jawline	Defined and sharp.	Less defined, with the potential for jowling and sagging skin.
Skin	Tight, elastic, and smooth.	Thinner, with reduced elasticity and visible fine lines/wrinkles.
Facial Fat	Evenly distributed, providing volume.	Redistributed, with descent and some loss of volume in upper face areas.

Conclusion: The Widening is a Multifaceted Process

Ultimately, the sensation that your face gets wider as you grow up is not an illusion. It is a demonstrable result of a complex interplay between continuous skeletal remodeling, the gravitational descent and redistribution of fat pads, the gradual weakening of facial muscles, and the breakdown of supporting proteins like collagen. While genetics and lifestyle play a role in the specifics, these age-related changes are a universal and normal part of the aging process. Understanding these factors can provide a clearer perspective on the transformation of facial features over time.

For an authoritative medical perspective on aging facial anatomy, please refer to the research published by the National Institutes of Health.

Frequently Asked Questions

At what age does your face start getting wider?

Facial changes are a gradual process, but noticeable shifts in fat distribution and bone structure often begin in your late 20s or 30s. The process becomes more pronounced with each decade.

Is it true that your jaw never stops growing?

While major growth phases end in young adulthood, research shows the jaw, like other facial bones, continues to undergo subtle remodeling and expansion throughout life. This adds to the overall structural changes of the aging face.

Can weight gain make your face look wider?

Yes, significant weight gain can lead to an accumulation of fat in the cheeks, neck, and chin, contributing to a fuller or wider facial appearance. Weight loss can reverse this effect.

Does losing face fat help make it look less wide?

For those whose facial width is related to fat accumulation, losing weight can certainly help reduce facial fullness and make the face appear slimmer. However, this won't change the underlying bone structure or address skin laxity.

Can genetics predict if my face will get wider?

Genetics are a strong predictor of your overall bone structure and how your facial tissues age. If family members have broad or angular facial features in old age, you may be genetically predisposed to a similar pattern of change.

Do skincare routines impact facial width changes?

Skincare routines, especially those that focus on promoting collagen production and protecting against sun damage, can help mitigate the effects of skin laxity and sagging. While they can't stop the bone remodeling process, they can help maintain a more youthful skin texture and firmness.

What is the 'triangle of youth'?

The 'triangle of youth' describes the facial shape of a younger person, with the widest part at the cheeks and the narrowest at the chin. As we age, the effects of gravity and tissue changes can invert this triangle, with the lower face becoming wider.