How the Face Changes With Age: Skin, Fat and Bone Explained

Facial ageing is a complex process influenced by changes beneath the surface of the skin. While fine lines and wrinkles are often the most visible signs, ageing also involves gradual changes to skin quality, underlying fat, and facial bone structure. These factors interact differently in each individual, which is why facial ageing looks unique from person to person.

Understanding how the face changes over time helps explain why assessment and a personalised approach are essential in aesthetic medicine.

Changes in Skin Over Time

As we age, the skin undergoes several natural changes. Collagen and elastin production gradually decreases, leading to reduced firmness and elasticity. Skin may also become thinner, drier, and less resilient due to changes in hydration levels and reduced barrier function.

Environmental factors such as sun exposure, lifestyle habits, and genetics can further influence how these changes appear. For some individuals, skin texture and hydration are the primary concerns, while for others, structural changes play a larger role.

The Role of Fat in Facial Ageing

Facial fat provides softness, contour, and support to the overlying skin. With age, fat pads can reduce in volume, shift position, or redistribute unevenly across the face. This may contribute to changes such as hollowing, loss of mid-face fullness, or altered facial proportions.

These changes are not uniform and can vary significantly depending on facial anatomy, genetics, and ageing patterns. This is why volume-related concerns are best assessed as part of a broader facial evaluation rather than in isolation.

Bone Structure and Its Impact on Facial Shape

Facial bones also change over time. Subtle bone resorption can occur in areas such as the jaw, cheeks, and eye sockets, affecting the overall framework that supports the skin and soft tissues. As structural support decreases, the face may appear less defined or more fatigued, even when the skin itself remains relatively healthy.

Bone-related changes are often overlooked but play a significant role in how ageing presents across different areas of the face.

Why Facial Ageing Looks Different for Everyone

No two faces age in the same way. Variations in anatomy, genetics, lifestyle factors, and skin health all influence how ageing changes appear. Some individuals notice fine lines early, while others experience changes in facial shape or skin quality first.

Because of this variability, aesthetic concerns cannot be accurately assessed based on age alone. A comprehensive facial assessment considers skin, fat, and bone together, rather than focusing on a single feature.

The Importance of Individual Assessment

In aesthetic medicine, understanding facial ageing requires careful evaluation of both surface and underlying structures. A personalised consultation allows time to assess facial anatomy, discuss concerns, and consider individual ageing patterns.

In some cases, additional assessment tools such as aesthetic ultrasound may be used to support anatomical understanding and inform clinical decision-making. This approach prioritises safety, precision, and evidence-based care.

When to Seek Professional Advice

Many people seek professional advice when they notice changes in skin texture, facial fullness, or overall facial balance. A consultation with a qualified health professional provides an opportunity to explore these concerns in a clinical, educational setting, without pressure to proceed with treatment.

Understanding how the face changes over time empowers patients to make informed decisions aligned with their individual goals and circumstances.

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