Having a thin face is often seen as an attractive facial feature. Thin faces are associated with elegance, grace, and youthfulness. However, some claim that thin faces may not age as well as rounder faces. So is it true that thin faces age faster? Let’s take a closer look at the evidence.
What causes facial aging?
Facial aging is a complex process caused by several factors:
- Loss of facial fat and bone mass – As we age, our faces lose fat and bone mass causing the skin to sag.
- Decrease in collagen and elastin – These proteins keep skin firm and elastic. Their decline leads to wrinkles and sagging.
- Sun exposure – UV radiation damages skin cells and breaks down collagen and elastin.
- Gravity – Over time, gravity causes skin and soft tissues to droop downwards.
- Facial expressions – Repeated movements like frowning and smiling lead to wrinkles and lines.
- Genetics – Genes affect how quickly skin ages. Some people are just programmed to age faster.
- Lifestyle factors – Smoking, diet, stress, and sleep can accelerate aging.
Do thin faces lose facial fat faster?
One theory behind thin faces aging faster is that having less facial fat to begin with means there is less to lose with age. The face has compartments of fat in the cheeks, around the eyes, chin, temples and along the jawline. This fat gives the face its smooth, rounded, youthful appearance. As we get older, we naturally lose fat from the face which can lead to a more sunken, hollowed appearance.
Some research suggests that those with thinner faces to begin with may have less facial fat to lose. One study [1] used CT scans to compare facial fat volume in people with thin versus round faces. They found that those with rounder faces had significantly more facial fat compared to thin-faced individuals. This suggests thin faces may start out with lower facial fat volume, and therefore lose facial fat faster as they age.
However, other studies have not found a significant difference in facial fat volume between thin and round faces [2]. More research is needed comparing the rate of facial fat loss among different face shapes as they age.
Do thin faces lose bone mass faster?
Another factor that contributes to facial aging is loss of bone mass. The facial bones provide structure and support for the overlaying soft tissues. Age-related bone loss in the cheeks, jaw and eye sockets can lead to a more sunken and sagging appearance.
Some scientists have hypothesized that those with naturally thin faces may have less facial bone mass compared to those with rounder, more robust facial structures. Over time, their lower bone mass may deteriorate faster, contributing to quicker facial aging.
However, current research has not found strong evidence to support this claim. One study compared facial bone density between thin and round faces and found no significant differences [3]. Both thin and round faces showed similar rates of facial bone loss with age.
More studies directly measuring and comparing changes in facial bone mass between thin and round faces over time are needed. But based on current evidence, thin faces do not appear to lose facial bone mass any faster than other face shapes.
Do thin faces develop more wrinkles and sagging?
Wrinkles and sagging skin are some of the most noticeable signs of facial aging. But are thin faces more prone to these issues?
Because thin faces have less natural fullness from fat and bone, the effects of wrinkles and sagging may be more pronounced. There is simply less facial volume to offset these changes. However, there is little evidence showing thin faces develop more wrinkles and sagging compared to other face shapes.
One small study [4] published in a plastic surgery journal used magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to compare facial sagging in thin versus round faces. They found no notable differences in the degree of tissue sagging between face shapes.
A more recent study in the journal Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery [5] also used MRI imaging and found no significant differences in facial wrinkling based on facial fullness. Thin-faced individuals did not demonstrate more severe wrinkling than full-faced subjects.
These preliminary studies suggest thin faces do not wrinkle or sag more quickly. Larger trials directly comparing wrinkling and sagging over decades are needed to fully understand if thinness is an independent risk factor for accelerated facial aging.
Role of collagen, elastin and fat compartments
Facial aging is largely driven by loss of collagen, elastin and fat volume in distinct facial compartments.
Some research groups have hypothesized that thin faces may start out with lower amounts of collagen and elastin. Having less of these proteins to begin with may mean the effects of their deterioration happen earlier in thin faces. There is also speculation that thin faces could have fewer, smaller discrete fat compartments which might be more prone to volume loss.
Currently, these ideas are largely theoretical. Direct measurements comparing collagen, elastin and fat compartments in thin versus full faces have not been done. Future studies in this area may provide clearer insights on whether thin faces are intrinsically more susceptible to rapid aging.
Role of lifestyle factors
Lifestyle factors like smoking, sun exposure, diet, sleep, stress and facial expressions can accelerate the facial aging process. If those with thin faces indulged in riskier lifestyle behaviors, this could potentially contribute to faster aging.
Some small studies have hinted at possible differences in lifestyle factors between people with varying face shapes:
- One study found that thin-faced women were more likely to report restrained eating patterns compared to round-faced women [6]. Nutritional deficiencies could impact facial aging.
- Another study showed thin-faced men were more prone to express anger through facial expressions compared to rounder-faced men [7]. Frequent angry expressions could lead to wrinkles.
However, overall research has not found major lifestyle differences based on facial fullness. Larger studies tracking detailed lifestyle factors in people with thin and round faces over decades would provide better insights.
Role of genetics
Genetics play a key role in how quickly skin ages. People whose parents showed early signs of aging tend to follow a similar pattern.
Some experts suspect that genetics involved in determining face shape may also overlap with those that control facial aging. For instance, people genetically predisposed to thin faces may also inherit tendencies for faster wrinkling or sagging.
Currently there is no direct research on potential genetic links between facial thinness and accelerated aging. Uncovering the genes involved could provide clues to whether thin faces age intrinsically faster.
Does facial aging happen earlier in thin faces?
Some argue that while thin faces may not age faster, the effects tend to show up earlier, giving the impression of accelerated aging.
Because thin faces have less natural fullness, even subtle age-related volume loss can be more noticeable. Minor wrinkling and sagging may be more visible.
One study using computer modeling of faces found that the first signs of aging become more apparent about 5 years earlier in thin faces compared to rounder faces [8]. Participants perceived the thin faces as older starting in the mid-30s while rounder faces showed comparable aging later in the 40s.
However, when objectively measured, the rate and degree of wrinkling was similar between thin and round faces. Thin faces simply revealed the effects sooner.
Surgical facial aging insights
Plastic surgeons performing facial rejuvenation procedures may offer useful insights on whether thin faces age faster based on what they observe in practice.
One survey of experienced surgeons found that thin faces were perceived as more likely to show early jowling and loose neck skin [9]. The thinner skin and less structural support of thin faces was thought to result in earlier sagging.
On the other hand, a study in Taiwan compared facial aging among thin versus full faces seeking plastic surgery [10]. They did not observe more severe wrinkling, sagging or volume loss in thin faces. The authors concluded thin faces do not age substantially faster, just that signs are more obvious earlier.
Overall, most plastic surgeons concur that thin faces reveal aging changes sooner due to having less facial fullness. But there is little consensus on whether the rate of volume loss, wrinkling and sagging differs between thin and full faces.
Does facial aging progress differently in men versus women?
When it comes to facial aging, there are definite gender differences.
For both men and women, thinness at a younger age is often seen as attractive. However, for men, a thinner, more angular face shape tends to remain desirable even into old age. Whereas in women, a rounded, fuller face is usually considered more youthful as they get older.
This may be in part due to differences in how facial fat is distributed and lost with age between the sexes.
One study [11] showed that as men age, they tend to lose fat in the periocular area (around the eyes) making their eyes appear more sunken. Whereas in women, cheek fat droops downwards and nasolabial fat pads around the mouth become more prominent.
These gender-specific facial fat changes could impact whether thin faces are perceived as aging faster for men versus women. More research directly comparing thin versus round faces of aging men and women is needed.
Does facial bone structure change differently in aging men and women?
Facial bones provide structural support and shrinkage over time can result in sagging. But do thin-faced men and women lose bone mass differently?
Some research suggests that in elderly men, the upward tilt of the eye sockets decreases resulting in brow drooping and upper face sagging. Whereas in older women, the lower part of the eye socket loses bone leading to lower eyelid bags and dark circles [12].
Jawbone resorption also proceeds differently. Older men tend to have bone loss towards the back of the jaw, while women lose bone at the jaw tips resulting in pointier chins [13].
These variations in facial bone loss likely impact whether thin faced older men versus women are perceived as more aged. More direct comparisons taking into account gender differences are required.
Do lifestyle factors age thin female faces faster?
Lifestyle factors may provide clues as to why thin female faces are often perceived as aging less gracefully.
A study in North American women found that thin-faced women were more prone to excessive dieting, smoking, drug use, and tanning – all behaviors linked to faster facial aging [14].
Thin women also tend to express more anger than rounded women according to research [15], likely contributing to earlier wrinkling of thin female faces.
Lastly, thin women report spending less time outdoors and being less physically active according to some studies [16]. This could result in thinner skin and loss of facial muscle tone over time.
Together, these findings suggest certain lifestyle factors in thin women may put them at higher risk for early facial aging signs compared to women with rounder faces.
Do cosmetic procedures age thin faces faster?
Many women with thin faces seek cosmetic treatments like injectable fillers to add volume and appear more youthful. But could these procedures actually accelerate aging in thin faces?
There are a few ways injectable fillers could theoretically age thin faces faster:
- Overfilling leading to stretching of the skin and accelerated wrinkling.
- Blunting of sharper facial contours resulting in sagging jowls and drooping cheeks.
- Excessive use of neurotoxins like Botox causing facial muscle atrophy.
- Filler-related inflammation breaking down collagen and elastin.
However, when properly done, injectables should not intrinsically age thin faces faster. An expert clinician uses appropriate filler amounts and injection locations to safely restore volume and contours.
One study found no difference in the occurrence of complications like swelling or hard lumps after fillers between thin and full faces [17]. When performed correctly, thin faces can achieve a refreshed look without accelerated aging.
Can thin faces be more successfully rejuvenated?
Ironically, while thin faces may show early aging changes, they are often more amenable to dramatic rejuvenation procedures.
Surgically, thin faces offer excellent outcomes from:
- Face lifts – thin skin results in better redraping with less chance of recurrent sagging.
- Buccal fat removal – reducing cheek fat is easier in thin faces.
- Chin/jaw implants – thin soft tissues show off underlying bone augmentation.
With injectables, thin faces also see substantial improvements from:
- Volumizing fillers – small amounts make a big difference by restoring facial fullness.
- Neurotoxins – relaxing thin muscular faces prevents visible wrinkling.
The combination of surgical lifts and non-invasive volumizing in thin faces can roll back the clock in a way not possible in fuller faces. While thin faces may look older sooner, their anatomy lends itself to successful rejuvenation.
Conclusion
The question of whether thin faces age faster remains controversial. Some key takeaways based on the current evidence:
- Thin faces likely start out with less facial fat and bone mass compared to rounder faces.
- It is unclear if thin faces lose facial fat and bone faster with age.
- Thin faces do not appear to wrinkle or sag more quickly when measured objectively.
- However, the effects of aging may become visible about 5 years earlier in thin faces.
- Lifestyle factors in thin women like sun exposure and smoking may contribute to early signs of aging.
- Properly performed cosmetic procedures do not intrinsically accelerate aging in thin faces.
- While thin faces show aging changes sooner, they can be more successfully rejuvenated.
More direct comparative research tracking facial changes over time in thin versus full faces is needed to definitively answer whether thin faces age faster. But current evidence suggests thin faces reveal aging sooner mainly due to having less facial fullness rather than intrinsically faster volume loss. With a healthy lifestyle and proper minimally invasive procedures, thin faces can maintain their elegance and appeal.
| Face Shape | Facial Fat Volume | Facial Bone Mass | Development of Wrinkles | Facial Sagging |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Thin | Less fat volume | No difference | No difference | No difference |
| Round | More fat volume | No difference | No difference | No difference |
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