As we age, our faces change. I regularly hear the experience of taking a look in the mirror, and suddenly noticing the effects of aging. Facial rejuvenation treatments like neurotoxin injections (AKA Botox) and hyaluronic acid fillers work to defy the inevitable effects of aging (1).

With aging, we start getting lines between the eyes and forehead, mouth lines become more pronounced, under eye area sinks and darkens,, etc. These changes occur because of seismic moves of the bone, muscle, and fat beneath the skin (2). While some changes can be modulated with lifestyle choices like regular sunscreen use and non smoking status (3), others cannot. This week we learn about the changes that happen under our skin as we age.

Bones

Bone structure changes throughout our lifetime. Over time, we lose bone mass and this leads to facial changes. Bone loss in the cheek area allows for the tissue to go south which emphasizes the folds around the mouth and jowl area. Eye sockets widen which lead to a sunken appearance of the eyes and the jaw bones recede, also accentuating the jowl with less neck/jaw definition. Bony changes create dramatic shifting of the tissue above, and contribute to facial aging (2).

Soft tissue

As the bones change over time, so too does the muscle and fat that lies above it. Aging leads to a southward migration of facial fat, giving way to an accumulation of these pads in the lower face. Enter nasolabial folds, jowls, and ill defined neck/jaw border.

What to do:

Cheeks

Though there is individuality in terms of what we treat first, the cheeks tend to be the first place we start. I liken this to the foundation of the face, so when we lift this area, the lower face will often require less treatment. As we age, the ligaments in this area tend to loosen and fat pads descend, leading to flattened cheeks. One of my most favorite injections is the cheeks because of its profound impact.

Eyes

The widening eye socket causes changes of the eye that can be modified slightly with botox and under eye filler in select cases.

Lips

In our 30’s, we begin to lose tone and volume in the lips and as we enter the fourth decade, lines start to form in the upper lip that deepen as we age (this is what personally bothers me the most). In addition, the upper lip area can lengthen and definition fades. While voluminous lips are all the rage, with the right product selection and injector, we can use filler to restore what was lost over time with very natural results.

Chin and Jawline

The dissension of fat pads tends to collect at this area, giving way to a double chin and jowls. We can permanently dissolve this fat with kybella and use filler to add definition to this area.

I offer complimentary virtual visits which you can schedule directly through the website. Thanks for reading!

With love,

Heather

References

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16784517/

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4174174/

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3924128/