The observation that a man’s face appears broader, more angular, and squarer with age is a common one. This change in facial shape, especially in the lower third of the face, is the result of complex, continuous biological processes involving both the underlying bone structure and the overlying soft tissues. Understanding these mechanisms reveals that the male face continues to mature and change long after skeletal growth is traditionally considered complete.
Continual Skeletal Growth in Men
The primary reason for the increased width in the aging male face is the continued, slow growth and remodeling of the facial skeleton throughout adult life. While the long bones of the body stop growing after puberty, the bones of the skull and face remain biologically active in a process known as appositional growth, adding new layers of tissue to the outer surfaces. The mandible, or jawbone, is particularly active, continuing to lengthen and widen. This growth increases the distance between the two mandibular angles, known as the intergonial width, creating the characteristic broader lower face. The skeletal remodeling also includes the mid-face, where the orbits (eye sockets) and nasal cavity subtly expand.
The Hormonal Drivers of Facial Change
The difference in how the male and female facial skeleton ages can be attributed to the continued presence of certain hormones in men. Unlike women, who experience a sharp decline in bone-protecting estrogen after menopause, men retain relatively consistent levels of androgens, such as testosterone, and other growth factors well into older age. Testosterone, along with Growth Hormone (GH) and Insulin-like Growth Factor-I (IGF-I), works to stimulate periosteal apposition, which is the process of bone deposition on the outer surface of the bone. This constant stimulation promotes radial growth, increasing the bone’s girth and density, particularly in the mandible. The ongoing presence of these anabolic hormones helps maintain a higher bone density and size, which is a key differentiator in male facial aging.
Soft Tissue Factors That Enhance Widening
Beyond the bone, soft tissue changes dramatically enhance the appearance of facial widening and squaring. The masseter muscles, which are the main muscles responsible for chewing, can hypertrophy, or enlarge, over time. This enlargement is often driven by parafunctional habits such as chronic teeth grinding (bruxism) or clenching. A bulkier masseter muscle directly contributes to the angular, square look of the lower jaw, emphasizing the width of the face.
The distribution of facial fat also shifts with age, further exaggerating the lower facial width. Deep fat pads in the mid-face tend to atrophy and diminish, while superficial fat can accumulate in the lower face, contributing to the formation of jowls and a heavier, less defined jawline. Dental factors can also play a subtle role, as the loss of teeth or the recession of the alveolar bone can change the vertical dimension of the lower face.
Methods to Manage Facial Appearance
For men concerned about the aesthetic consequences of facial widening, several non-surgical and lifestyle adjustments can help manage the appearance. Weight management is a foundational step, as controlling overall body fat can minimize the accumulation of superficial fat that contributes to jowling and a heavier lower face.
Minimally invasive treatments can directly address the soft tissue components of widening. Injections of botulinum toxin into the masseter muscles can significantly reduce their bulk over time, slimming the lower face and softening a severely square jawline. Dermal fillers can be strategically used to restore lost volume in the mid-face, which helps to redefine the cheekbones and lift sagging tissue. Additionally, simple cosmetic strategies, such as maintaining a well-groomed beard or using specific hairstyles, can help to visually balance the facial proportions.