Anatomy of the face: what changes in the face over time?
The facial aging process is complex, with bone structure, fat and skin changing. These changes affect cheekbones, cheeks, and eyes, among others. By understanding these processes, we can provide targeted treatments to effectively treat these signs.
As we age, the face undergoes various changes due to the aging process. These changes involve the skin, muscle structure, and underlying bones. This results in shifts in facial contours, loss of volume and less tight skin, which can contribute to a tired or aged appearance.
Below, we explain how aging affects the different parts of the face.
1. Bone atrophy: Fundamental changes in bone structure
The bone structures in the face, such as the cheekbones, chin, and eye sockets, provide fundamental support for the skin and underlying tissues. As we age, there is bone atrophy op, which means that bone mass decreases. These changes affect the entire facial structure:
- Flattening of the cheekbones: The bones in the cheekbones lose volume, which reduces the natural support of the skin. This results in sagging skin in the middle part of the face.
- Loss of chin support: Bone atrophy around the chin causes the contours of the jawline to blur, contributing to a tighter jawline and sagging chin.
- Larger eye sockets: As the eye sockets expand due to bone loss, the eyes take on a deeper, hollow appearance. This reduces support for surrounding tissues and leads to puffiness and dark circles.
These fundamental changes in bone structure contribute significantly to the overall sagging of the skin and the loss of youthful facial contours.
2. Loss and displacement of fat compartments
The fat compartments in the face are responsible for the fullness and contours of youthful skin. However, over time, these compartments lose their volume and move to lower parts of the face. This process leads to:
- Loss of volume in the cheeks: The fat compartments in the cheeks decrease, which makes for a sunken, tired look. This creates creases such as the nasolabial fold.
- Fat transfer to the jawline: The fat that was previously in the cheeks sinks down and accumulates around the jawline and corners of the mouth. This results in the creation of “hamster cheeks” and marionette lines.
- Sunken sleeping: The fat in the temples decreases, making this area look hollow and sunken. This worsens the general aged appearance of the upper part of the face.
The combination of loss of volume and fat displacement creates asymmetry and contributes to the formation of facial wrinkles and creases.
3. Skin structure: Decline in elasticity and collagen
The skin loses its elasticity and firmness due to a decrease in collagen and elastin, the building blocks that ensure tight, resilient skin. This decrease makes the skin thinner and more prone to wrinkle formation:
- Thinner skin: Due to the loss of collagen, the skin becomes increasingly thinner, making the underlying structures such as blood vessels visible. This contributes to the development of dark circles under the eyes.
- Loss of elasticity: The decrease in elastin causes the skin to be less resilient, resulting in wrinkles, such as crow's feet around the eyes and frown lines on the forehead.
- Wrinkles and fine lines: Through constant muscle movements, such as laughing and frowning, the skin develops dynamic wrinkles over time that can become permanent.
These changes cause the skin to lose its toned, youthful appearance and become prone to wrinkles and creases.
4. Discrepancy between skin and underlying volume: Too much skin
A crucial aspect of the aging process is the discrepancy between the amount of skin and the underlying tissue. As the bone structure shrinks and the fat tissue disappears or sags, the skin often remains too big for the remaining volume. This leads to:
- Excess skin: The skin, which was once held tight by the underlying fat and bone, begins to look excess due to loss of volume. This results in sagging skin, such as bags under the eyes and creases around the mouth.
- Skin sagging: Because the skin has to cover too much space, it starts to hang, causing a tired and aged appearance.
This phenomenon contributes to an outdated facial expression and requires a holistic approach that addresses both volume and sagging skin.
Dynamics of facial expressions: Permanent wrinkles
In addition to the structural changes in bone, fat and skin, there are also facial expressions a role in the aging process. Repetitive movements of the facial and eye muscles create dynamic wrinkles that can become permanent over time. The constant movement of muscles such as the orbicularis oculi (around the eyes) and the frontalis (on the forehead) ensures that:
- Crow's feet and frown lines develop and eventually become permanently visible.
- Wrinkles around the mouth caused by frequent facial expressions such as laughing, which puts extra strain on the skin around the lips.
These wrinkles contribute to an aged appearance, even when the face is at rest.
Advantages and disadvantages
From a Liquid Facelift Treatment
Benefits
- Natural facelift without surgery
- No scarring or risk of nerve damage
- Fast recovery
- Not permanent
Disadvantages
- Temporary result
- Swelling or bruising
Why choose Doctor Frodo Clinic?
Clinic Doctor Frodo is known for its expertise, precision and personal approach. Our treatments are based on a deep understanding of the anatomy of the aging face, guaranteeing natural and subtle results.
We work with the latest technologies and techniques, including advanced lasers, fillers and skin-enhancing treatments, all tailored to your unique needs. Our experienced team takes the time to understand your needs and create a customized treatment plan.
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Youthful appearance back
I suffered from loss of volume and less clear contours in my face, but after the treatment, everything looks fresh and youthful again. My face now has beautiful, natural contours.
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My face shines again
I get a lot of compliments for looking beautiful without people being able to say exactly why. That subtle, natural effect is exactly what I was looking for. I absolutely recommend Dr. Frodo!
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I immediately felt in good hands
“The entire experience was professional and enjoyable. During the consultation, everything was clearly explained. I felt in good hands from the first moment. The result is beautiful and natural.”
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FAQ
FAQs
What happens to my face when bone structure changes?
As we age, bone mass and bone structure decline, especially in the face. This leads to less skin support and often causes sagging and loss of contours, such as cheekbones and chin.
Why do my cheekbones lose their shape as I get older?
The bones in the cheekbones lose volume over the years, so that the skin in the middle of the face has less support. This can lead to sagging and a tired appearance.
What does it mean if my chin loses its contours?
Bone atrophy around the chin causes the tight contours of the jawline to fade. This can cause sagging chin and jawline, which gives the face a less defined look.
Why does my face seem to be getting deeper and hollower?
As the eye sockets expand due to bone loss, the eyes take on a deeper, hollow appearance. This reduces support for surrounding tissues, accentuating puffiness and dark circles.
How does the loss of fat compartments affect my appearance?
Fat compartments lose volume and sink down, causing the face to lose its youthful fullness. This leads to a sunken appearance and creases such as the nasolabial fold.
What causes the hamster cheeks and marionette lines at the bottom of my face?
Fat that used to be in the cheeks often sinks to the jawline and corners of the mouth. This causes accumulations, causing hamster cheeks and marionette lines.
Why do my temples look sunken?
The loss of fat in the temples creates a hollow, sunken appearance that makes the face look outdated.
What is the role of collagen in skin aging?
Collagen ensures firm and elastic skin. As production decreases, skin becomes thinner, less resilient, and more prone to wrinkles and lines.
Why do I get dark circles when my skin gets thinner?
The loss of collagen causes the skin to become thinner, making underlying structures such as blood vessels visible. This causes dark circles under the eyes.
Why does my skin lose elasticity over the years?
The decrease in elastin causes the skin to lose its resilience. This causes wrinkles, such as crow's feet around the eyes and frown lines on the forehead.
What causes permanent wrinkles on my face?
Repeated movements of facial and eye muscles create dynamic wrinkles. Over time, these wrinkles become permanently visible, even when the face is at rest.
How does loss of volume cause facial asymmetry?
When fat compartments decrease in volume and move, asymmetries and wrinkles occur. This causes an unbalanced appearance, especially around the eyes and mouth.
Why is there often excess skin left on my face?
When bone structures shrink and fat sinks or disappears, the skin sometimes remains too big for the remaining volume. This leads to sagging skin and creases.
Why does my skin seem to have to cover too much space?
Due to loss of volume in the underlying structures, the skin must stretch to cover the space. This creates a tired and outdated look.
What causes crow's feet and frown lines?
These wrinkles are caused by constant muscle movements, such as when laughing and frowning. Over time, these lines become visible and remain present even at rest
What causes wrinkles around my mouth?
Frequent facial expressions, such as laughing, put extra strain on the skin around the lips. Over time, this can lead to permanent wrinkles.
What is a holistic approach to facial rejuvenation?
A holistic approach looks at all aspects of aging, such as loss of volume, sagging skin and excess skin. This approach focuses on restoring volume and strengthening for natural rejuvenation.
What can I do to fix the loss of volume in my face?
Treatments such as a Liquid Facelift can help restore lost volume and improve contours. This treatment focuses on specific areas to bring back a youthful appearance.
How does a Liquid Facelift help with the aging process?
A Liquid Facelift restores volume, firms the skin and reduces excess skin. This ensures natural and youthful rejuvenation without changing the appearance.
Can Aging Be Tackled Without Surgery?
Yes, with non-surgical treatments such as fillers, laser therapy and skin tightening treatments, the aging process can be effectively slowed down and improved.