As we age, the loss of skin elasticity combined with the effects of gravity causes tissues to sag downward. This process leads to the deterioration of the face’s naturally youthful and full appearance, resulting in an older and tired expression. Aesthetic and Plastic Surgery Specialist Op. Dr. Ufuk Askeroglu explains the key points and possible solutions regarding this issue.
The midface refers to the central part of the face, extending from the cheekbone area to the sides of the nose and the corners of the mouth. Aging in this area manifests through volume loss, sagging, and deepening of lines over time.
What causes midface aging?
One of the main causes of midface aging is the loss of volume in facial fat tissues over time. In youth, cheeks appear full and firm, but they gradually thin and sag downward. This results in more prominent hollows and depressions under the eyes, while the nasolabial folds — lines extending from the sides of the nose to the corners of the mouth — become deeper. These changes in the midface can make a person appear tired, unhappy, and older than they are.
Midface aging results from a combination of factors. A key factor is the reduction in elastin and collagen production as we age. Elastin is the protein responsible for skin elasticity, while collagen is a fundamental building block that keeps the skin firm and plump. With aging, the production of these substances slows down, causing the skin to thin and lose its elasticity.
As a result, the skin can no longer resist gravity and begins to sag. Additionally, facial fat tissue diminishes and redistributes over time. While fat tissue is concentrated in the upper face during youth, it tends to decrease and accumulate in the lower parts with age. This loss and shift cause the natural contours of the face to blur, leading to a “droopy” appearance. Furthermore, the thinning of muscle tissue and bone structure over time also contributes to changes in the overall facial architecture. External factors such as sun exposure, smoking, genetic predisposition, poor nutrition, and inadequate skincare can also accelerate midface aging. Particularly, prolonged sun exposure can increase collagen breakdown, leading to earlier onset of aging signs.
What are the signs of midface aging?
Loss of fat tissue in the midface results in flattened and sunken cheeks. The lines extending from the sides of the nose to the corners of the mouth deepen over time, forming noticeable wrinkles. Along with sagging cheeks, under-eye bags and hollows become more visible, giving the face a tired and fatigued appearance.
Loss of skin elasticity causes sagging, particularly in the cheeks and under-eye areas. Lines formed by facial expressions such as smiling and talking become more pronounced as the skin thins and loses its flexibility.
Ways to prevent midface aging
Although it is not possible to completely stop midface aging, there are many ways to slow the process and reduce its signs. Regular skincare, a healthy lifestyle, and medical aesthetic treatments play important roles in delaying the effects of aging.
Maintaining a regular skincare routine is essential for preserving the skin’s healthy and youthful appearance. Especially during middle age, it is beneficial to incorporate anti-aging products into the skincare regimen. Retinoid-based creams stimulate cell renewal and boost collagen production, helping support the skin’s elasticity. Serums containing hyaluronic acid provide hydration, contributing to a plumper and more youthful look.
Proper skin cleansing is another crucial step in slowing the aging process. Deep cleansing and exfoliating dead skin cells help the skin appear more vibrant. Additionally, using sunscreen protects the skin from harmful UV rays, preventing collagen breakdown and delaying the onset of aging signs.
Which treatments can be considered?
Medical aesthetic treatments are highly effective in addressing the effects of midface aging. Botox and filler treatments are especially popular for correcting volume loss and wrinkles.
Hyaluronic acid-based dermal fillers can be used to restore lost volume in the face. Fillers reshape the cheeks, eliminate sunken areas, and create a naturally fuller appearance. They can also be used to fill the nasolabial folds, softening the appearance of deep lines.
Botox injections can be used to soften expression lines in the midface. By temporarily relaxing muscle movement, Botox helps prevent the formation of wrinkles. It is particularly effective for lines on the forehead, between the eyebrows, and around the eyes, and can also help in preventing midface aging.
In more advanced cases, a surgical midface lift procedure can be considered. This surgery corrects sagging cheeks and restores a more youthful and refreshed facial appearance.
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