The perception of defined cheekbones is an aesthetic trait resulting from the precise interplay of underlying bone structure and the soft tissues covering it. The cheekbone, known as the zygomatic bone, is a paired facial bone that forms the prominence of the cheek. A high degree of definition means the contours of this bone are clearly visible through the skin. Understanding this prominence requires an examination of the skeletal framework, the distribution of facial fat, and the temporal effects of aging.
The Role of Skeletal Structure
The primary determinant of cheekbone definition is the inherent structure of the facial skeleton, which is largely established by genetics. This bony framework involves the size, projection, and position of the zygomatic bone itself. Some individuals are born with a skull shape that features a more outward and forward projection of the malar bone, which creates a greater potential for definition.
The distinction between “high” and “low” cheekbones is based on the vertical placement of the zygomatic bone relative to other facial features. High cheekbones are positioned closer to the eyes, contributing to a more defined appearance by creating a longer, more dramatic curve. The zygomatic arch, which extends back from the cheekbone, provides a strong lateral buttress for the midface. The prominence of this arch ensures that even a thin layer of soft tissue will reveal a sharp contour.
Influence of Facial Fat Distribution
While the bone provides the foundation, the soft tissue covering it dictates the final visible definition. Definition is often a visual result of a relative lack of volume in the fat compartments that lie directly over the bone. The face contains multiple distinct fat compartments, broadly categorized as superficial and deep. Superficial fat compartments are located just beneath the skin. A lower volume of this subcutaneous fat allows the underlying bony structure to be more clearly visible.
Conversely, even a genetically prominent bone structure can be visually obscured by a higher overall percentage of facial fat. Deeper fat pads, such as the buccal fat pad, also influence the visual contour. The buccal fat pad sits in a deeper plane and contributes to the fullness of the lower cheek area. A smaller or atrophied buccal fat pad creates a hollowed-out look below the cheekbone, which enhances the perception of definition. Changes in body weight, which affect the volume of the superficial fat compartments, can lead to a noticeable increase or decrease in perceived cheekbone definition.
Cheekbone Definition and the Aging Process
The aging process introduces temporal changes that can significantly alter cheekbone definition over time. Early in the aging process, cheekbones may appear more defined due to the atrophy, or loss of volume, in some of the deep fat compartments. As these fat pads diminish, the bony contours beneath them are unmasked. Simultaneously, the soft tissues of the face begin to descend due to gravity and the weakening of supporting ligaments. This descent of the malar fat pad shifts volume, creating deeper folds below the cheekbone and further accentuating the bone above it.
The repositioning of this soft tissue makes the underlying bone structure more apparent. Later in life, the facial skeleton undergoes a process called bone resorption. The cheekbones can lose projection and flatten, moving slightly inward and downward. This loss of bony support, combined with the continued degradation of collagen and elastin, eventually leads to a less defined, more sunken appearance.