The question of whether cheekbones become more defined with age involves a complex interplay between facial anatomy layers. The structure commonly known as the cheekbone is the prominent arch formed by the zygomatic bone. Its definition is determined not solely by the bone itself but by the overlying soft tissues, including fat compartments, muscle, and skin. Facial aging is a three-dimensional process affecting the foundational bone, fat volume, and skin elasticity, meaning the answer is not a simple yes or no.
The Appearance of Facial Definition Over Time
The midface typically shifts from a youthful, high-volume contour to a flatter, less defined shape over time. In younger individuals, the face often presents with a “Triangle of Youth,” widest across the cheekbones and tapering down to the chin. With age, midface volume decreases, and fat tends to descend, reversing this shape and resulting in a loss of projection.
While most people experience a loss of definition, some older individuals may appear to have more prominent cheekbones. This visual effect is often an illusion caused by severe atrophy of the surrounding soft tissues, which creates a hollowed-out look. The bony structure is not becoming sharper but is instead unmasked as the supportive fat and muscle layers recede.
How Bone Structure Changes with Age
Lost cheekbone definition is caused by skeletal remodeling and atrophy, altering the size and position of the facial skeleton. The bony scaffolding undergoes continuous resorption, where bone is broken down and absorbed in certain areas.
The zygomatic bone and the maxilla, which supports the midface, lose projection over decades. Studies show the maxilla tends to regress, moving backward and upward with age. This loss of anterior projection reduces structural support beneath the soft tissues of the cheek.
The orbital rim, the bone surrounding the eye socket, expands and recedes, contributing to upper cheek flattening. This bony change destabilizes the attachment points for the ligaments and soft tissues that hold the cheek in a lifted position. The loss of this underlying support is a primary factor in the subsequent descent of the overlying fat pads.
The Descent and Deflation of Facial Fat Pads
The primary driver of visible changes to cheek definition is the alteration in facial fat compartments. The cheeks are supported by superficial and deep malar fat pads, which undergo volume loss (deflation) and downward movement (descent).
The deep fat pads, which sit above the bone, are often the first to lose volume, beginning to atrophy in early middle age. This deflation removes the cushioning that provides structural support and fullness to the midface. Once this deep foundation is lost, the overlying superficial fat pads are no longer adequately supported.
The superficial fat pads then shift downward due to gravity and the weakening of facial retaining ligaments, such as the zygomatic ligament. This descent causes fat to accumulate lower on the face, contributing to nasolabial folds and jowls. The resulting visual effect is a flattening of the natural cheek curve and a loss of the high, rounded contour defining youthful cheekbones.
Lifestyle Factors That Affect Cheekbone Prominence
While changes in bone and fat are inevitable biological processes, certain external factors can accelerate the rate at which they occur. Ultraviolet (UV) radiation from sun exposure degrades collagen and elastin fibers in the skin. This degradation weakens the skin’s connection to underlying structures, allowing fat pads to descend more easily.
Smoking is another factor, as it restricts blood flow to the face, impairing the delivery of oxygen and nutrients necessary for tissue repair. This chronic restriction can accelerate bone resorption and the atrophy of fat and skin cells. Additionally, repeated weight fluctuations can stretch facial ligaments and skin, compounding the effects of fat pad migration.
A diet high in refined sugars contributes to aging by promoting the formation of advanced glycation end products (AGEs). These compounds stiffen collagen and elastin, reducing the skin’s elasticity and ability to hold its structure. Managing these lifestyle elements can help slow the rate of anatomical change, preserving midface volume and definition longer.