In October 2006, David Kahn, MD and Robert Shaw, MD, presented results of their research at the American Society of Plastic Surgeons meeting to denote that facial bones actually do change over time.
According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, facial bone structure, size, and condition change with age. Since 2006, plastic surgeons have made advances in facial rejuvenation to compliment the aging face.
How Aging Facial Bones and Tissue Work
Facial bones shrink and lose volume over time. This contributes to the sagging effect that occurs to the soft tissue blanket covering the face. Add this to soft tissue loss and thinning skin, the skeleton structure of the face is unmasked with age. In essence, the end result is a hollowing effect on the face. The cheek bone is unveiled. The tip of the nose loses cartildge support and appears to hook downward. The base of the nose does not have a full youthful appearance because lower face boney structure is lost and the teeth in the upper jaw recede. Chins may lend a witchy appearance because of lower jaw bone loss. In the final analysis, it appears that the face collapses a bit over time.
The study concluded the following differences from youth to aging in the 60 year range:
Eyebrows: recede in women
Area between the eye brows: decreased in women and men.
Lower cheek to base of nose area: decreased skeletal area forcing the malar fat pad to sag downward and forward, making the lower face appear fuller and drooping.
Area around and below the nose: bones recession, contributing to the appearance of an elongated nose and droopiness in the affected area.
Nose: significantly increased by senior age.
Good News for 2008
Since 2006, there have been new treatment options and health supplements introduced touting youthfulness and longevity. At the onset of aging, there are several types of facial fillers available to create volume in troublesome areas like the cheekbone and nasiofold area. There are mainstay temporary three to six month solutions. There are also newer semi-permanent fillers whereby soft implantable gels, microspheres and the like can be injected into folds to fill them in for a year or more.
In addition, plastic surgeons have become more creative with fat fillers, especially in the lips and eye area. For elder years, there are bone grafts, facial implants, and bone rearrangement surgery options to accommodate for increases and decreases in facial bone appearance. There are mini-face lifts and variations of the standard face lift to renew your appearance at every decade of age.
Since the study, there are more reasons to take better care of your bones. As Dr. Placik adds, "A good facial skeletal foundation has an impact on the results of plastic surgery. It is important to maintain bone health and dental hygiene. Consider supplements such as calcium or estrogen during menopause to help support your bone health. "? Dr. Placik is certified as a diplomate by the American Board of Plastic Surgery and is an active member of The American Society of Plastic Surgeons.
Source: Lesley & Associates
Are you considering plastic surgery? If so, please contact a board certified surgeon to become better informed about your options.