Faces change with age, leading many to wonder if they get wider over time. Facial aging involves changes in bone, soft tissues, and skin. These transformations alter facial shape, which can include a perception of increased width.
The Science Behind Facial Widening
Facial widening with age is influenced by a combination of skeletal and soft tissue changes. Bone remodeling, a continuous process, alters facial dimensions. The jawbone, or mandible, can undergo changes in its angle, potentially contributing to a broader appearance in the lower face. The orbital aperture, the eye opening, also increases in area and width with age due to uneven bone resorption. This remodeling can make eyes appear smaller and rounder, impacting surrounding facial structure.
Soft tissue changes also contribute. Facial fat pads undergo redistribution and volume changes. While some deep fat pads atrophy, superficial fat can reposition or hypertrophy in certain areas, particularly in the lower face. For example, the descent of mid-face fat pads can contribute to a fuller appearance in the lower cheeks and jawline.
Some facial muscles, like the masseter, may also hypertrophy, or increase in size. This can add to the perception of a wider lower face.
Declining skin elasticity and gravity also affect facial contours. As collagen and elastin break down, skin loses firmness. This can lead to sagging and drooping of facial tissues, causing them to spread outwards, especially in the lower face, contributing to a wider or “jowly” appearance.
Other Age-Related Facial Changes
Beyond widening, the face undergoes numerous other transformations with age. A notable change is the overall loss of volume in various facial regions, particularly in the mid-face, temples, and under the eyes. This volume depletion can lead to a more gaunt or hollowed appearance in these areas, contrasting with potential fullness in the lower face.
The breakdown of collagen and elastin fibers in the skin also results in the formation of wrinkles and fine lines. These include common expressions like forehead lines, crow’s feet around the eyes, and nasolabial folds that run from the nose to the corners of the mouth. The skin’s ability to renew itself also slows, taking longer for new cells to replace old ones.
Jowls and sagging are common age-related changes. Reduced skin elasticity combined with gravity leads to a less defined jawline, as tissues descend and accumulate along the lower face. This creates a less taut appearance in the lower face and neck.
Influences on Facial Appearance Over Time
The rate and specific manifestations of facial aging are influenced by a combination of factors. Genetic predispositions play a role, as inherited genes determine skin type, collagen production, and the speed at which wrinkles or age spots develop. Family history can offer clues about how one’s face might age.
Environmental factors also have a considerable impact on facial appearance over time. Chronic sun exposure, known as photoaging, contributes to skin damage, accelerating collagen and elastin breakdown. Other environmental stressors include pollution and cigarette smoke, which can lead to premature skin aging and wrinkles.
Lifestyle choices further affect how the face ages. Diet, hydration, and sleep patterns all influence skin health and overall facial volume. For instance, an antioxidant-rich diet can combat damage, while insufficient sleep can accelerate lines. Significant weight fluctuations can also alter facial fat distribution and impact skin elasticity, affecting facial shape and appearance.