The Science of Aging Cheekbones: More Than Just Skin Deep
While we often associate facial aging with wrinkles and sagging skin, the underlying cause of many of these changes is rooted in the structure beneath. The cheekbone, or zygoma, is a key pillar of facial support. As we age, a complex interplay of bone, fat, and soft tissue changes how our cheeks are shaped.
Bone Resorption: The Foundation Changes
One of the most fundamental shifts is bone resorption. Over time, the bones in our face, including the cheekbones, lose density and volume. This process doesn't occur uniformly across the skull. The zygomatic bone (cheekbone) is particularly susceptible, leading to a subtle but significant flattening and inward movement of the mid-face. This loss of skeletal support is a primary reason why the face appears to lose its youthful fullness and definition.
Fat Pad Migration and Volume Loss
Another critical factor is the shifting and diminishing of facial fat pads. Our face contains both deep and superficial fat pads, which provide volume and contour. As we age, these pads begin to atrophy (lose volume) and migrate downwards due to gravity and weakened connective tissue. The deep malar fat pad, which rests high on the cheekbone, thins and slides, leading to the appearance of flattened cheeks and deeper nasolabial folds (the lines from the nose to the corners of the mouth). The loss of this fat, combined with bone resorption, creates a less pronounced cheekbone and a more tired, hollowed-out look.
Diminishing Skin Elasticity
Finally, the skin itself undergoes changes. The production of collagen and elastin, the proteins responsible for the skin's firmness and elasticity, slows significantly. With less structural support from the bone and fat below, and less elastic skin to hold it all in place, the skin over the cheeks begins to sag and lose its tautness. This contributes to the overall drooping appearance and can make the cheekbones seem less prominent.
Visual Changes to Expect as You Age
Understanding the science helps explain the visual results that most people will notice in the mirror over time. The aging process typically manifests in several key ways concerning the cheekbones:
- Flatter Cheeks: The once-full, rounded apples of the cheeks diminish in volume, giving the mid-face a flatter profile.
- Increased Hollows: The area beneath the cheekbones may appear more hollowed or sunken, accentuating the bony structure in an aging, rather than defined, way.
- Deepened Nasolabial Folds: As fat pads shift downward, the folds running from the nose to the mouth become more pronounced.
- Undereye Circles and Bags: The loss of cheek support can worsen the appearance of undereye bags and darkness, as the transition from the lower eyelid to the cheek becomes less seamless.
Comparison: Youthful vs. Aging Cheekbones
| Feature | Youthful Cheekbones | Aging Cheekbones |
|---|---|---|
| Projection | High and forward-projecting | Flatter and less prominent |
| Contour | Smooth, rounded apples of the cheeks | Loss of volume, appearing more concave |
| Supporting Bone | Dense, strong facial skeleton | Decreased bone density and volume |
| Fat Pads | Full, lifted, and supportive | Thinner, lower, and migrated downwards |
| Skin Tightness | High elasticity and firmness | Reduced elasticity, potential sagging |
| Defining Features | Creates a heart-shaped or oval face | Contributes to a more squared or sunken look |
Options for Maintaining and Restoring Cheek Volume
While aging is inevitable, various options can help manage or restore the appearance of lost cheek volume. These range from at-home practices to professional cosmetic procedures.
Non-Invasive and Minimally Invasive Options
- Dermal Fillers: Injectable hyaluronic acid fillers are a popular choice to restore lost volume in the cheeks, providing immediate and temporary results.
- Fat Grafting: This procedure involves harvesting fat from one area of the body and injecting it into the cheeks for a more permanent volume restoration.
- Facial Exercises: While results vary, some believe that targeted facial exercises can help strengthen and tone underlying muscles, contributing to a more lifted appearance.
At-Home Care and Skincare
- Daily Skincare: Using products rich in ingredients like retinol, peptides, and antioxidants can help boost collagen production and improve skin elasticity over time.
- Facial Massage: Regular, gentle facial massage can improve circulation and reduce puffiness, helping to maintain a healthier facial appearance.
Lifestyle Factors
Protecting your skin and body from damage can slow the aging process. The National Institute on Aging provides extensive information on healthy lifestyle choices, which include proper nutrition, regular exercise, and sun protection. (National Institute on Aging) Maintaining a healthy weight is also crucial, as significant weight fluctuations can impact facial fat volume.
The Conclusion
Ultimately, what happens to cheekbones as you age is a natural and expected part of the aging process. It involves a combination of bone loss, fat pad changes, and declining skin elasticity. However, understanding these underlying factors provides clarity and empowers individuals to make informed decisions about managing these changes. By combining a healthy lifestyle with appropriate cosmetic or at-home treatments, it is possible to maintain a more youthful, defined facial structure for longer.
