As we grow older, many things about our bodies change, and our face is no exception. Even the chin, which is an important feature of the face, also undergoes changes with time. These changes can have a significant impact on our overall appearance and self-confidence.
This is because the chin is one of the focal points of the face and plays an important role in providing the framework for the entire face.
In this article, we explore why and how the chin changes with age, what signs of ageing appear on the chin and what non-surgical cosmetic treatment options are available to reverse these signs.
Why Does the Chin Change as We Get Older?
The chin is an essential feature of the face and contributes to its overall shape and balance. Unfortunately, the chin can lose shape, volume and definition with age due to a number of factors.
1. Decrease in the production of collagen and elastin.
These are essential proteins responsible for keeping the skin firm, plump and elastic. Collagen is the skin's main structural protein and provides strength and support, while elastin allows the skin to stretch and bounce back to its original shape.
Unfortunately, the deterioration of the skin's structure due to the natural ageing process undermines the production of both of these proteins.
This has two effects.
First, the collagen and elastin that is present is damaged over time.
Second, the mechanism that replaces these important proteins is compromised. Over time, the skin has less and less collagen and elastin reserves to keep it plump, firm and strong.
An underlying mechanism that is directly related to declining collagen production is cellular fibroblast ageing. This is the process whereby the fibroblast cells in the body become less efficient over time. This isn't good news because fibroblasts are responsible for the production and maintenance of collagen and other structural components of the extracellular matrix.
Another factor that accelerates the breakdown of collagen and elastin in the skin is sun damage. Years or decades of sun exposure is the number one cause of collagen fragmentation in sun-damaged skin.
Smoking is another habit that can contribute to premature ageing of the chin. Tobacco smoke extract increases the production of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs).
These are a group of enzymes whose job is to break down the structural components of the extracellular matrix, such as collagen, elastin and other proteins. They enables the remodelling and restructuring of tissues, which is necessary for various physiological processes such as tissue repair, bone growth and angiogenesis (formation of new blood vessels).
However, if MMP activity is excessive or uncontrolled (e.g. due to smoking), it can lead to premature skin ageing and even disease.
2. Gradual loss of bone density
Have you ever wondered why babies have hanging cheeks and jowls? It's because they have too much skin and fat in relation to their facial bones. As bone growth continues over the next two decades, they grow into their facial tissues. Facial proportions become idealised when they are in their 20s.
Unfortunately, this is short-lived. By the age of 40, the number of bone-regenerating cells in the face begins to decline. Gradually, the bone around the eyes widens, resulting in eye hollows and flattened cheeks.
Then the bones of the midface and jaw break down, turning backwards and downwards. Taken together, these changes lead to a diminished bone scaffold on which our fat and skin sit. Soon our tissues become too big for the facial bones underneath. Slowly but surely, our faces begin to resemble the proportions of a baby's face -- only this time with wrinkles, folds and crepey skin.
3. Gravity
The loss of collagen and bone density is accelerated by gravity. Years of gravity exerting a constant downward force on the skin causes it to sag even more. The skin around the chin area is particularly vulnerable to the effects of gravity, which can lead to sagging of the skin and a "double chin" effect.
4. Genetic predisposition
It is important to know that skin ageing is also unique to each person. Genetics play an important role in how the structure and appearance of your chin develop. Simply put, how your parents age can give an indication of how your face might change over time.
Now that we've defined why the chin ages, let's look at some common signs of chin ageing. We'll also recommend the best non-surgical aesthetic treatment for each of these.
Common Signs of Chin Ageing and Their Remedies
Double Chin
This describes the appearance of an extra layer of submental fat or loose skin accumulating under the chin and neck area. This leads to a bulging or sagging appearance of the skin in this area, which can make a face appear rounder or heavier than desired. A double chin may be more noticeable when the head is tilted downwards and may also be accompanied by the appearance of jowls along the jawline.
The Remedy: Radiofrequency skin tightening.
This procedure uses radiofrequency waves to stimulate collagen production. At Dr Aesthetica, we use the superior and advanced NuEra™ Tight with FocalRF technology. This provides a high guarantee that treatment is safe and its been proven effect in lifting sagging skin.
With radiofrequency treatment, you may notice some lifting immediately. This is due to the heat of the treatment temporarily tightening the skin. The real results, however, come as the radiofrequency stimulates collagen and elastin synthesis in the weeks and months following the treatment.
Weak or Receding Chin
A weak or receding chin is a condition in which the chin appears smaller or less prominent than the rest of the face. This may be a result of genetics or the natural ageing process.
In some cases, a weak or receding chin is something that is born with. This is often due to the shape of the jaw and facial bones. With age, the bone and soft tissue in the chin area may gradually lose volume, leading to a reduced projection of the chin and the appearance of a weak or receding chin.
The Remedy: Chin filler
A dermal filler comes to the rescue again! Enhancing the chin with dermal fillers is an effective and popular alternative to surgical solutions such as chin implants. It balances out the profile beautifully and adds contour and definition to the lower face and neck. Depending on the degree of recession, most patients require 1-4 syringes of filler, which effect typically lasts around 12-18 months in the chin.
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Pebble/Orange Peel Chin
There is an effect of the ageing process that we haven't mentioned so far. This is a hyperactive chin muscle known as the mentalis, which is caused by the chin muscles losing volume and strength over time. As a result, the muscle in this area can move involuntarily. The contraction of this hyperactive muscle can lead to dimpling, uneven texture or a bumpy appearance of the chin. After years of these repetitive movements, many thin, crosshatched lines may form on the skin, leading to a cobblestone chin or 'orange peel' chin.
The Remedy: Botox
Botox is injected into the targeted area and temporarily freezes the muscle so it can no longer wrinkle or crease the skin. When the muscles are prevented from being hyperactive, the skin can relax. This treatment usually lasts between 3 and 6 months, depending on how quickly your body breaks down the Botox.
Jowls
One of the most noticeable signs of chin ageing is the formation of jowls. These are pockets of sagging skin that form along the jawline. The skin around the chin and jawline begin to sag, resulting in a droopy and tired appearance that can make you more self-conscious.
The primary symptom of jowls is the appearance of sagging skin and excess fat along the jawline and chin. This can cause the face to lose its youthful contours, resulting in a less defined jawline and chin.
Jowls can also cause wrinkles and folds to form around the chin and jawline, further contributing to an aged appearance.
The Remedy: Jowl Lift
The jowl lift is a combination of treatments, such as:
- RF Skin Tightening tightens the skin around the jowl area to reduce the saggy appearance.
- Dermal fillers restore a more contoured, sharp appearance to the chin and jawline area.
- Microneedling induces collagen and elastin production in the skin, which helps restore a youthful, tight appearance to the skin.
Pre-jowl Sulcus
The pre-jowl sulcus is a little-known area of the face that can have a major impact on the definition and contour of the jawline and chin area. It is a depression on either side of the chin where the cheek and chin meet along the jawline. Along with marionette lines, they exaggerate the jowl, creating an illusion of an even more accentuated aged look on the lower face.
Marionette lines
These are the lines that run from the corners of the mouth to the chin. As we age, these lines can become more pronounced and give the impression of a downturned mouth. This makes the face look grumpy or sad, even if the person is not expressing any particular emotion.
The Remedy: HA Fillers
Pre-jowl Sulcus & Marionette lines can be treated with derma fillers. Fillers with hyaluronic acid in particular, have a volumising effect. When injected directly into the marionette lines or pre-jowl sulcus, the filler smoothens out their appearance.
The fillers can also be injected in the surrounding areas, which helps to better support the skin and reduce the appearance of sagging. You can combine dermal fillers with Botox injections to reduce the pull of the depressor muscles that pull down on the corners of the mouth and worsen the appearance of marionette lines.
The Ultimate Solution To Chin Ageing: The Full Facelift
If your chin area is showing signs of ageing, likely, your entire face is affected as well. So, what do you do if you have two or more of the above symptoms of chin ageing?
In this case, a full facelift is the best option.
From sagging skin to loss of volume, this comprehensive treatment will address all of your concerns and leave you with a more youthful, radiant appearance. And the best part? It's completely non-invasive, meaning no downtime or recovery period.
At Draesthetica in Birmingham, our team of experts is dedicated to helping you achieve your desired look. So if you're ready to turn back the clock on your appearance, contact us today to learn more about this amazing treatment. You can reach us at 0121 769 0242 or email us at [email protected]. Let us help you look and feel your best
