Facial Aging Linked to Changes in Facial Bones

Wrinkles and sagging that result from changes to our skin age our face, but a new study says there are more contributing factors. Published in the January 2011 Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery journal, the study says that this aging  results not just from skin changes, but from age-related changes in our facial bones too.

Dr. Robert Shaw, Jr., at the University of Rochester Medical Center, and his colleagues reviewed 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). Twenty women and 20 men were analyzed in each age group.

Measurements showed 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 and lower jaw.

While changes were observed in both sexes, many of the changes occurred earlier in women, between the young and middle age groups. For men, the majority of changes occurred between middle age and old age.

By using materials and techniques for skeletal augmentation, such as cheek implants, the researchers believe that 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,” wrote the researchers.

Dr. Branman offers several facial rejuvenation procedures, including face lift, brow lift and eyelid surgery.