The observation that a face changes shape over time is supported by biological fact. Facial structure does not remain static once a person reaches adulthood, but undergoes continuous and measurable changes throughout life. These shifts in underlying structure and overlying soft tissue often lead to broader or wider dimensions, particularly affecting the lower third of the face. Understanding these dynamic processes requires looking beneath the skin to the skeletal and soft tissue layers that contribute to overall facial shape.
Confirming Changes in Facial Dimensions
Scientific investigation, particularly using longitudinal studies, affirms that the adult face continues to undergo measurable dimensional changes. The face experiences a complex alteration of its foundational framework, not merely the visual effect of sagging skin. Measurements reveal an increase in the width and depth of the lower facial area, observable even after skeletal maturity.
One specific change is the widening of the orbital aperture, the bony structure surrounding the eye, which increases in both area and width with age. These changes accumulate over decades to significantly alter overall facial dimensions. This expansion, combined with other structural changes, contributes to the perception of a broader face over time.
The Role of Skeletal Remodeling
The perception of a wider face is linked to the ongoing process of bone remodeling, where bone is continuously deposited and resorbed. This activity persists throughout adulthood, affecting the size and shape of the facial skeleton. The mandible, or lower jaw, is one of the most dynamic structures, showing a tendency to lengthen and experience increased width posteriorly by an average of 4 to 5 millimeters.
This mandibular expansion contributes directly to the broadening of the lower face and the softening of the jawline contour. Remodeling also occurs in the mid-face and upper face, where selective bone resorption causes certain areas to recede. The orbital aperture, for example, enlarges as the bone around the eye socket, particularly the inferolateral and superomedial rims, experiences resorption.
The recession of the orbital rims causes the eyes to appear more sunken and exposes the overlying soft tissue to gravitational effects. Changes in the brow ridge are also part of this remodeling, often losing projection. These bony shifts change the underlying scaffolding, causing a redistribution and visual broadening of the overlying tissues. Skeletal changes are subtly sex-specific; women tend to show more bone resorption along the chin, while men exhibit concentrated resorption near the jaw angle.
Soft Tissue Descent and Volume Changes
Beyond the skeletal framework, soft tissue alterations significantly contribute to the appearance of a wider, heavier lower face. The face is supported by distinct fat compartments, which experience both volume loss and migration with age. There is a notable atrophy, or loss of subcutaneous fat, in the upper face, including the temples and mid-cheek area.
As fat volume diminishes in the upper face, the remaining fat pads often descend due to weakened support and gravity. This descent causes them to accumulate in the lower face, forming jowls. This migration creates visual heaviness and broadening along the jawline, transitioning the facial shape from a youthful “triangle” with its base at the cheekbones to an “inverted triangle” or “pyramid” shape.
The decline in structural proteins like collagen and elastin further exacerbates this change in contour. Reduced collagen leads to a thinning of the skin’s dermis, while decreased elastin compromises the skin’s ability to snap back into place. This resulting skin laxity allows the descending fat and muscle tissue to spread out, compounding the appearance of width and lack of definition in the lower third of the face.
Influencing the Rate of Change
While skeletal remodeling is a natural process, the rate and severity of soft tissue change can be influenced by lifestyle choices. Protecting the skin from ultraviolet (UV) radiation is effective, as UV exposure is a primary driver of extrinsic aging. UV rays degrade collagen and elastin fibers, accelerating skin laxity and the resulting descent and broadening effect.
Smoking is another major factor, linked to premature facial wrinkling and loss of elasticity, which accelerates the breakdown of dermal structures. Studies show a clear dose-response relationship, where increased pack-years of smoking correlate with worse scores for jowls and lower-lid bags. Managing significant weight fluctuations is also beneficial, as rapid weight loss or gain affects the volume of facial fat pads. Maintaining consistent hydration and a balanced diet rich in antioxidants supports the integrity of the remaining collagen and elastin, helping tissues retain resilience and structure.