While the obvious answer to what makes our face look older is our skin — when it wrinkles and sags — a new study in the January 2011 Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery journal says that these changes result not just from changes in the skin, but from age-related changes in our facial bones as well.
Dr. Robert Shaw, Jr., at the University of Rochester Medical Center, and his colleagues analyzed computed tomographic scans (performed for medical reasons) of the facial bones for three age groups: young (age 20 to 40); middle-aged (41 to 64); and older (65 and up). The scans of 20 women and 20 men were analyzed in each group.
Measurements revealed differences in the facial bone structure between age groups. “The facial skeleton experiences morphologic change and an overall decrease in volume with increasing age,” the researchers wrote.
The study found that the eye socket area became wider and longer in both men and women as they aged. Aging also caused reductions in bones in several areas of the face, including the:
- Brow
- Nose
- Upper jaw
- Lower jaw (length and height)
Researchers observed the changes in both sexes, but many occurred earlier in women — between the young and middle age groups. On the other hand, in men most of the changes occurred between middle age and old age.
The researchers believe that by using materials and techniques for skeletal augmentation, plastic and cosmetic surgeons can improve the outcomes of facial rejuvenation. “Skeletal augmentation offers a permanent rejuvenation of the facial skeleton and may be performed in conjunction with soft-tissue redraping,” according to the researchers.
About Faces Cosmetic Surgery offers several facial rejuvenation procedures, including face lift, brow lift and eyelid surgery.
