What are the signs of aging?
We all sink, sag or wrinkle, it’s inevitable, it’s just a matter of time.
With the passing of time, exposure to free radicals, to the deterioration and decay of time; skin loses elasticity and quality, volume deflates and diminishes, muscles become disharmonious and bone resorbs and shrinks.
The why, the what, where and the how, of these features of the face, will give you the awareness, so you know what to look out for.
Note that, not all the signs of ageing is something we want to treat.
Beauty is a complex idea with dynamic components including social, psychological, cultural aspects.
For men, losing volume and having flattening of the typical curves of youth, like the typical “baby fat”, is actually an attractive feature to look more mature, refined and masculine.
For women, restoring volume and curves may be the goal to retain youth and vitality.
The features to consider as we mature over time explores more than the “3 areas of anti wrinkle treatments and lips”
From the age of about 25, facial health is at its prime in relation to youth, at the level of skin health, facial proportions, growth and development. From this point onwards, the decline, descent and deflation begins.
To understand and become aware of the changes, it takes an approach to discuss the features and what they communicate, rather than the treatment of the areas itself.
1- Sinking and flattening of the cheek bone
The cheek and more generally the mid face area is considered the foundation, the structural component of the face.
Mid face volume loss, is the first areas of deflation of the face, medially and laterally, the area from your brow to the bottom of your nose.
Whether you gain or lose weight, the general re-distribution of the tissues, makes you lose volume from the side of your face, and loosening of ligaments, give the look that you face is narrower and longer. This is a natural a natural occurrence over time with ageing.
This also causes a deflation of the face, like a beach ball, slowly losing air. What once was a wider or more heart shaped face, may become heavier looking and feeling.
You may even looking like more saggy, with more lines around your eyes and cheek area.
Because there is less substance relative to the skin, lines can become more evident.
Signs you may have sinking of the cheek bone | Deflation of zygomatic arch:
Lines in around the eyes, and cheek area at rest
Feeling saggy
Looking less defined
Eyes looking tired
Looking round and soft
Nose to mouth lines
Noticeable Jowls
Heaviness of lower face
Loss of jawline definition
Downward turn of lips
Practically most features of ageing, begins at the mid face, as the pedestal for many features of the upper face and the support and structure for most of the lower face. The mid face is essentially the corner stone of the face. The key component to the facial foundation.
Loss of volume in this area, communicates signs of ageing, and depletion of facial structures.
The changes have a strong structural impact to the majority of the other elements of the face. It is therefore significant that patients and practitioners alike are mindful of this key aspect of the face.
2- Sunken in temples
The temples are one of two components that contribute to the contour and overall shape of the face.
Temples are typically an underrated area of the face. Cheeks are most obvious area to restore, however sunken temples may look more apparent after cheeks are restored.
There is a natural anatomical dip around the temple area, however, as we age, we lose volume around this area. This may make the shape of the face look skeletal, and possibly gaunt.
Many may not see this, and many subconsciously hide this with their hairstyle.
Deflation of the face, especially on the upper third, the hairline to the brows, may contribute to the heaviness of eyelids as there is less volume relative to the skin. The skin is less supported and you may even look more tired, with more lines around your eyes and heaviness in the brow and lid areas.
Because there is less substance relative to the skin, lines can become more evident.
Signs you may have sunken in temples:
The end of the brows seem to disappear.
There is a obvious dip in the temple area
There is shadow cast that makes you look harsh or skeletal, especially at the 3/4 angle
There is heaviness in the eyelids
It feels that your forehead is narrow
Excessive dip in the temple area, may portray a sign of age due to a skeletal look, it may exhibit features of harsh shadows and lines, these are typically representative of more masculine traits. Not all dips and shadows need or should be filled and restored, but one should be mindful of how it contributes to the overall look and expression.
3- Crows feet
Crows feet, are lines that form at the sides of the eyes and extend outwards in a fan like direction.
They are natural part of natural expression, and is a key feature of an authentic smile. A smile with involvement of the eyes is called the Duchene smile, or more casually known as smeyesing- smiling with your eyes.
Supermodel Tyra Banks coined the word "smize" to mean "smile with the eyes." Since then, models have been all about smizing to get a genuine-looking smile.
The treatment of crows feet are excessively performed according the opinion of the author.
Very rarely do people appreciate the nuances of these key expressive elements.
The obicularis occuli is one of the key muscles that contribute to these lines.
The obicularis occuli are the rhomboidal shaped sphincter muscles, around each eye, of which their action is to purse like the action of a purse string bag.
The upper part of the muscle pulls down as the lower part pulls up, as well as contracting medially also, towards the nose.
However, the most mindless treatment of the area is to simply remove these lines without complete regard for the expression and lift of the cheek also. The lower parts of the muscle are accessory to lifting the cheeks , and the complete removal of the lines around the crows feet typically fails as mid face volume loss, and other muscles involved lifting the cheeks and the smile contribute the creating the typical “ crows feet” lines.
Signs you may have crows feet:
Lines at the side of the eyes, at rest
Lines at the side of the eyes on movement
Th crows feet, are one of the most common areas people point out, with a preemptive misconception that they express age, the majority of the time.
These lines are not necessarily signs of ageing, but many people may consider this as ageing. Note that individuals who are expressive and have strong muscles may have these lines, and are in their childhood, and adolescence. It is not necessarily a direct correlation to “getting old”, or expression of age. The term Crows feet, suggests it is a sign of ageing. It may be worthwhile to consider these lines as “lines of happy expressions”
4- Loss of definition of the jawline.
The Jawline is, the lower part of the face, typically considered from the side view, from the ear down to the lowest part of the face and along to the chin.
The jawline is a component that contributes to the contour and overall shape of the face.
The noticeable changes of the jawline has 3 facets, that influence the definition of the jawline itself.
The width, the angle and the length.
From the front view; The distance between one side of the jaw to the other side of the jaw is called the bigonial distance. The bony distance gets narrower over time.
Note that it is the bony part which gets narrower, however the lower part of the face may in fact look wider, due to soft tissues higher up falling into a lower position.
From the side view; the angle of the jawline and the length of the lower jaw itself.
The angle of the jaw is the defined by the angle created by the vertical part and the horizontal part.
This is the gonial angle.
For the “traditionally ideal masculine” jawline it is between 90-100 degrees.
For the “traditionally ideal feminine” jawline it is between 110-125 degrees.
As the face ages the bony stitchers resorb, which makes the angles more obtuse. This loss of structure, contributes to the features of a deflating face, with more soft tissue predominate than hard tissues in this area.
The length of the body of the mandible, is the horizontal part of the jaw. Over time the back part, the posterior part of the mandible, and the most superior part, the chin, reduces in size. The overall outcome is a shorter lower jaw. Contributing to the reduction of volume shape and structure.
The changes in the width, angle and length of the lower jaw, the definition of the jawline declines.
Signs of have loss of jawline definition:
A face that may blend in to the neck.
Looking heavier
Looking rounder
Looking deflated
No structure
Sense of a weaker face
The look of a deflating, less defined face, gives an impression of loss of health, signs of decay, and reduction in vitality, freshness and vigour. It is therefore an important feature to consider the jawline as a large contribution to the shape of the face.
It is mindful to consider jawline as an important dimension, to the entire shape of the face. Second to the cheeks, the jawline plays the next priority in regards to the overall structure of the face.
5- Horizontal Lines of the forehead
Horizontal lines of the forehead, similar to “crows feet” lines , are expected features of the expressions of , surprise, joy and excitement.
These lines are typically seen on the front view when and individual raises their eye brows, or expresses surprise.
These lines are commonly, incorrectly considered as signs of ageing, according to the opinion of the author.
In reality, they are key components to facial expression, human interaction and connection.
These lines are created from the contraction of the forehead muscles creating a lifting of the eye brows.
Signs you may have horizontal lines on forehead:
Horizontal lines on forehead, at rest
Horizontal lines on forehead on raising eyebrows.
Th horizontal lines on forehead, are one of the other common areas people point out, with a preemptive misconception that they express age, the majority of the time.
These lines are not necessarily signs of ageing, but many people may consider this as ageing. Note that individuals who are expressive and have strong muscles may have these lines, and are in their childhood, and adolescence. It is not necessarily a direct correlation to “getting old”, or expression of age. The lines on the forehead, are a result of the frontalis as a muscle of facial expression, in order to express feelings and emotions. They lift up the eyebrows and connect with others.
It is worthwhile to consider these lines as “lines of expressions” and be mindful that lines are not inherently negative, unwanted nor undesirable.
6- Drop in the brows
The height of the brows play a role with expressing strength, vitality, as well as levels of being awake.
For women, high eye brows represent a brightness, and freshness.
Low eye brows, expresses a more somber look.
Higher eye brows for men may express deer in the head lights, a prey look, whereas, lower set brows may be sultry and predatory and dominant.
Signs of a drop in the brows:
Looking less awake
Looking less spritely
Volume can be restored in specific areas of the brow and the face to restore position of the brows to regain a youthful more fresh look.
It is important that the treatment is aligned with the other elements of the face to ensure congruence and compatibility. For example one part of the face that is looking 10 years younger than another part of the face, may feel disjointed and unusual.
As well as volume restoration, it is mindful to consider muscle patterns and dynamics as means to restore a healthier brow position.
7- Fine lines under eyes
Fine lines under eyes, are one of the signs of loss of skin quality, dehydration, or disharmony with with movement.
The area under eyes are a delicate area, and as such can be effected by , salt intake, sun exposure, inappropriate rubbing of the eyes or incorrect use of products causing irritation to name a few.
These are created by changes over time, as skin requires more help to restore and rejuvenate.
Fine lines under eyes can be managed with appropriate continual skin care and general well-being care such as hydration, sleep, diet and a general healthy lifestyle.
Treating, managing and preventing deteriorating of this area, consists of patience and consistency.
As the area is delicate, it is most effective to consider an approach of both reduction and addition.
Reducing irritants such as harsh chemicals, thick creams, and frequent mechanical rubbing.
Adding , much rest and retinols to improve skin quality.
It is mindful that universally, lines under eyes communicate age and tiredness, it is worthwhile to consider managing and treating universally to restore and maintain health and vitality.
8- Anterior cheek volume loss
The anterior cheek is front part of the mid face. This part of the face starts losing volume from the age of 25.
First, the fat pads, and latterly the bony structure, the result of this is flattening of the cheeks.
In youth, faces are more plump, softer, more rounded. In age, flatter planes, shadows and more angles develop.
The flattening of the planes of the face is negative for a classic female face, and conversely is more masculinising of a male face.
Signs of have loss of anterior cheek volume loss:
More angular appearance
Flatter cheeks
More dramatic shadows
Less roundedness
Fewer curves
It is almost universal to restore loss of volume for the female face to return feminine youthfulness.
For men, it must be considered more strategically to ensure the “baby fat” being restored does not reduce the attractiveness, and masculinity and move in the direction of femininity.
It is mindful to consider what the desired outcome is in each and every situation with each individual, with careful conscious design.
9- Nasolabial folds nose the lip lines
Nasolabial folds or lines, are the lines or creases from that start from the bottom of the nose down to the corner of the mouth.
These form due to loss of volume in the areas of the face higher up, and gain of volume directly above the line. These give a look of sagging and deflation.
Signs of nasolabial fold formation:
Lines between nose to lips
Folds between nose and lips
Flattening of anterior cheeks
It is important to avoid mindlessly filling lines. With patients presenting with lines as concerns, it can be instinctive to focus on them as priority.
The key is to take a step back to consider the whole look, the dimensions as well as expressions. This is important as the cause of the lines should be managed rather than simply the line themselves. Treating and filling lines as a primary treatment plan can readily cause an unusual appearance. The line may be reduced by filling, but the overall look may be compromised when the essence and fundamentals of facial features are ignored and not respected.
A face without folds, lines, lights, shapes and shadows is simply a ball.
It is mindful to be guided by facial expressions, function and forms, with all aspects of the face, especially regarding those presenting with lines, and folds wanting to be addressed.
10- Oral commissure, downturn of the lips
The down turn of lips, are typically considered signals of sadness, upset , anger, disappointment and disapproval.
Down turn of the mouth is functional in day to day expression, to communicate
The down turn of mouth, and/ or corners of the lips and mouth, may be due to the use of the depressor muscles of the lips and mouth.
This may be a habit or a dysfunctional behaviour, or a over activity of the muscles.
Downturn mouth, may also be a result of descent of tissues and loss of support from the structural components of the face such as the mid face, which is typically the corner stone of the face.
Signs of have downturn of oral commissure:
Sad looking expression around the mouth
Over active pulling down of corner of the mouth
In the majority the oral commissure can be managed and treated to restore the mid face, as well as the careful harmonising of the downward pull of the muscles.
It is mindful to be aware that an excessively upturned mouth is not the goal, as excessive upturn can be insincere. The goal is to align to authenticity.
11- Jowl formation
The jowl is the middle section of the length of the jaw that sits in a lower position than the rest of the jawline.
The Jowl area that is demarcated by a disruption in the definition formed by the inferior border of the lower jaw. It is are area along the jawline that sags, due to laxity of ligaments and redistribution in the structure and volume in the surrounding areas.
The formation and presence of a jowl, typically expresses a downward pull of the features, a visible sense of gravity displayed on the face.
Commonly associated with the pouches of tissue, below and slightly lateral the mouth that you see in dogs.
Presence of jowls signals age, as a loss of structure, descent of tissues, and loss of turgidity, all indicative of ageing.
It is one of the key features of patients complaining of sagging of the face.
Signs of have loss of jowl formation:
Distraction from a unbroken line along the jaw
Weight and descent of tissues of the jawline
More roundedness, and softeness to the jawline.
The jowl can be addressed by replacing lost volume structurally, at the mid face, and at the angle of the mandible.
The discrepancies at the jawline can also be disguised and camouflaged by creating an illusion that the border of the mandible is more inferior, therefore providing a straighter jawline, and reducing the jowl appearance.
It is mindful to consider the frontal view, as exclusive focus of the side profile may,
12-Frown lines
The Frown lines, are the vertical lines between the brows.
Called “11s” from the vertical double lines. Sometimes they may be expressed as one line or even 3 vertical lines.
The Frown lines is commonly considered as expression of negative emotions, such as anger, and sadness.
It is important to note that, in certain social contexts, the presence of these lines may express, concern, thought and consideration.
With all the facial expressions, it is mindful to appreciate that communication is in the fine details, of which expressions are many and complex.
Signs of frown lines:
Vertical lines between eyes at rest
Vertical lines between eyes on movement
Softening or reducing these lines, helps create a kinder, softer, less harsh of a look.
It is important to be mindful that the individual’s personality, characteristics should be aligned to their expressions.
Someone who is expressive and animated may look unusual if their ability to connect and express is erased.
On the other side, someone who is soft, and has a calm disposition, would feel uncomfortable, if they were constantly frowning.
Herein, lies the power in appreciating the delicate detail, in minutia, and nuances to people.
The goal is not to mindlessly erase lines, but to truly help an individual, communicate, collaborate and connect with others effectively.
13- Discrepancy of the nose
The nose is a feature that is situation centrally on the face, as such it aesthetically, has an impactful relationship with the characteristics of the face from the front as well as the profile.
The shape, size, and dimensions of nose is critical as the relationship between the nose , to eyes, lips and the rest of the face, determines the characteristics of the face and what it represents.
A small nose may be considered delicate, feminine and cuter.
A large nose may be considered dominating, strong, and obscure.
The context of size is always relative. It is always measured against another.
Size is measured against:
Other features of the face , Proportion.
Other people nearby, the Relative Average.
Other people in the cultural/ ethnicity, Cultural/ Ethnic Norms.
When a practitioner becomes mindful of the relativity of sizes and measures, you gain a power perspective. The goal can be repositioned as, “ Is the nose (or any body part considered) aligned and proportionate , with the individual?”
The variations of characteristics and personalities of noses are plentiful. It is therefore
Paramount to gather information consciously to evaluated and assess, to formulate a personalised plan.
Signs of have discrepancy of the nose:
Hump on the nose that is distracting
Downward curving tip that is distracting
Width of the nose that is distracting
Irregularity that is distracting
Curves that are distracting
Shape that is distracting
Note that, the key element is wether or not the factors in question is distracting, wether it be out of proportion or inappropriate to the individual.
This is because there is no standard, with variances of gender, personality, characteristics, values and perception, many of which are highly subjective. These aspects must be considered cautiously with a central feature such as the nose.
It is worthwhile to be mindful of culture and the delicate details in changes of the nose.
14-Perioral lines
The lines around the lips, upper or lower, on the white or pink lips are considered perioral lines.
Barcode lines or smoker lines.
These are indicative of sun exposure, excessive contraction of the obicularis occuli and or possible stressors such as smoking.
Barcode lines typically signals age, and a loss of youthful femininity, these lines are detracting from a typically feminine attractive youthful faces
Signs of perioral lines:
Lines around the lips and mouth at rest
Lines around the lips and mouth on movement
When managing lines around the mouth, volume, skin quality and muscle movement should be considered to offer a holistic approach, to avoid over filling causing a chimp-like simian look.
It is mindful to be aware of the perioral area, at all layers, from the dental component, the muscles, the fatty tissues, and the skin. With the multilayered approach, the anatomical feast urges can be respected to achieve and maintain natural outcomes.
15- Lip shape, structure and volume
The dimension, function and form of the lips, alongside the structure and shape, are incredibly important aspects of the human face.
Lips convey feelings and emotions, expresses a lot about intentions and moods, as well as temperament and personality. Lips are a big part of human relationships. Over time lips change, they lose volume, definition and proportions. Even a small change in size or shape can alter your whole face and, by extension, affect confidence and self-esteem.
Lips are a signature, a small change can impact the expression of a whole face.
Whether full or thin, heart-shaped, round or oval, there are different lip types just as there are different body types. The shape of lips express personality.
Sometimes people want lips to stand out, sometimes individuals want them to blend in. Some want to tweak, making them plumper or correcting irregularities.
Signs of have lip changes:
Flattening of lips from side profile
Disharmony
Unusual profile
Unusual chin projection
Unusual nose projection
Flattening of angles
Increasing lines of the lips
Deflation of lips
Restoring harmony and proportions to the lips are powerful. Psychologically the gaze triangulates between eyes and lips. These readily signify friend or foe, and connects people to each other.
Lip changes are more noticeable with women than men, as lips communicate powerfully on a sensual and sexual context.
It is therefore an empowering treatment to restore the sensuality for women. It is by the same token important to respect the balance and harmony, as it can become alluring and enticing to increase volume of the lips further to attain further confidence for a women. Therein lies the importance to be precise with the end goal, with precision on the intended outcomes rather than indefinitely filling lips.
A more respectful perspective is to have the end goal in mind, with the concepts of everting, expressing, blossoming, shaping, sculpting and proportionising, rather than a crude arbitrary technique and mentality of filling.
16- Chin projection, Small recessed chin
The projection of the chin is the marker for the end of the jawline. The chin, determines the anterior position of the lower jaw.
A smaller, retruded chin, can be indicative of a less developed mandible. This may give a weaker, more mousier look.
This is a feature of children, as a stronger jawline is a sign of jaw growth through the changes in puberty.
Signs and indications of chin recession:
Lips looking more protruded
Face looking weaker
Face looking mouse like
Face looking feminine or child like
Upper teeth protruded
Overjet dental positioning
The augmentation of the chin for men, is similar to the augmentation of the lips for women. Volume in lips, increases the femininity in women, and the projection of the chin, increases the masculinity in men.
It is mindful to respect proportions, as over projecting or augmenting of any feature may produce a grotesque caricature and be more of a distraction than signalling attraction.
The chin projection should be carefully considered relative to the profile including forehead, nose, and lips.
As well as the side angle, the width, and length should be assessed alongside projection to provide a complete approach to the chin dimensions.
It is unfortunately common, to over project chin, to compensate for the jawline, ignoring the expressions of the individual. It is therefore key, to bring personality, lifestyle and expressions into the equation with any changes including the structural lower third of the face.
I hope that this article has provided insight into a holistic approach to considering your options, rather than simply injecting lines and folds, for aesthetic is an art respecting anatomy and expression.
If this is an approach that makes sense to you.
Book in for your own consultation today for a chat.
