Full Face Evaluation
Skin Changes
What's seen on the surface is the result of changes on a cellular level.
Elastin depletion: Starting in puberty, elastin stores begin to deplete, causing skin to lose its elasticity and ability to recoil when stretched.
Collagen loss: By the mid-20s, collagen production declines by about 1% per year, leading to a loss of skin strength and structure.
Age and sun exposure can cause:
Skin thinning
Loss of hydration
Brown spots (hyperpigmentation)
Visible underlying vessels
Easy bruising
Environmental factors: Pollution and smoking can further exacerbate skin damage and aging.
Muscle Dynamics
Muscle volume and strength remain relatively stable as we age, but the skin overlying them tells a different story. As skin loses collagen, elastin, and hydration, it thins and becomes less resilient. Consequently, muscle contractions that were once barely noticeable start to etch permanent lines into the skin, even when the muscles are at rest. This dynamic interplay between stable muscles and aging skin contributes to the formation of wrinkles and fine lines, highlighting the importance of addressing skin concerns through targeted treatments and skincare routines.
Fat Loss
Fat loss with aging is a two-fold process. The deep fat pads, which are abundant in youth, start to deflate by our early 30s, leading to volume loss. Meanwhile, the superficial fat layer tends to descend with age and can sometimes even enlarge, despite weight changes. This underlying shift can be likened to a house with a cracked foundation - on the surface, everything may appear flawless, but beneath, changes are underway that will eventually manifest as lines, wrinkles, and shadows, often becoming noticeable a decade or so later.
Bone Remodeling
Osteoporosis affects every bone in the body, including the facial bones, leading to a collapse of the facial structure around the nose. As we age, the eye sockets thin out, widen, and tilt downward, while the nasal openings widen. Notably, the jawbone undergoes significant changes, particularly in females, shrinking by almost 30% by menopause. As the bony structure that supports the skin weakens, it can no longer provide the same level of support, causing the skin to sag, much like clothing on a body that's lost weight. This loss of structural foundation contributes to the visible signs of aging.
Flipping the Triangles
In our youth, we display the "Triangle of Youth" connecting the cheeks to the chin. With all of the changes mentioned above, the cheek deflate and we become jowl heavy, creating the "Pyramid of Maturity".
Generational Changes
Four generations, what a blessing! What changes do you see?
My daughter (age 9)
myself (age 43)
Myself (age 43)
my mother (age 63)
My mother (age 63)
my grandmother (age 91)
My daughter (age 9)
my grandmother (age 91)