Have you ever noticed a recurring trend in this community? Whenever a woman uploads a photo, a hundred people respond with the exact same platitudes:
“Your skin is flawless!!”
“You’re stunning!!”
“Maybe add some vitamin C, but otherwise, don’t change a thing!!”
I am a woman in my 50s. I recently provided some clinical observations regarding the aging process and—wow—the response from other women was incredibly hostile.
But it bothers me that factual information isn’t being shared! So, here is some actual clinical data.
-
Facial aging moves in a forward and downward direction.
-
While wrinkles play a role in facial aesthetics, they aren’t the primary factor. The skin first loses volume in the temples and beneath the eyes, followed by the cheeks.
-
A more significant impact on facial appearance occurs when the underlying muscular structure begins to shift forward and down. This is a universal process that typically becomes evident in one’s forties. For men, this often enhances their masculinity and makes them look better (think John Mulaney). Conversely, it usually has the opposite effect on feminine faces, leading to a less desirable aesthetic.
-
You can tell your internal structure is shifting by three main signs: the neck sags, the jawline loses definition, and the philtrum (the area between the nose and top lip) elongates. Topical treatments generally cannot provide a significant fix for these three issues. Retin-A remains the gold standard because it stimulates collagen, but tightening the skin only does a small amount to support the sagging muscle underneath. A face with no wrinkles and a healthy glow will still look distorted and be perceived as “old” if the structure is falling. I’m just the messenger here, trying to be helpful.
-
There is good news. There is a whole range of steps you can take to combat structural degradation! You can begin by using Botox to relax muscles out of negative patterns. You can also restore volume to hollowed temples and eye areas using fillers or fat transfers. This can buy you about ten years! Eventually, we all face a choice: undergo a procedure to fix it, or simply accept and love the change.
-
To actually correct it, the philtrum must be shortened and the internal structure must be repositioned. This means a lip lift and a deep plane necklift.
There you have it. That is the reality of how your face changes. Whatever path you choose is wonderful!!
