Are facial changes after age 40 really 'our responsibility'?

"After the age of 40, you must take responsibility for your face" You have likely heard this saying at least once. While it may sound somewhat firm, from a doctor's perspective, this sentence is not merely a maxim but an expression that accurately captures the biological changes that actually occur in our faces. From a medical standpoint, This is because from this age onwards, the changes occurring in our faces go beyond simple 'natural aging'. no see.

 

The bones that form the basis of the face are also constantly changing.

Many people believe that once bones are formed, they remain the same, but according to clinical studies Adults replace about 5–10% of their bones every year. It works. This process repeats as 'bone-absorbing cells' and 'bone-making cells' maintain a balance. The important point is, The fact that the shape of bones is influenced by the way surrounding muscles are used is. Especially Areas subjected to repeated strong forces, such as chewing or jaw muscles, experience changes in the jawline and cheekbone shape. It can lead to.

 

Recurring facial wrinkles lead to fixed wrinkles over time. ❙ Source: ClipArtKorea

 

The effect of facial expressions on the face

According to long-term follow-up studies, The tendency for facial wrinkles that recur when smiling or frowning to turn into permanent wrinkles over time. This was clearly observed. In other words, the expression lines forming in front of the mirror right now can be seen as akin to a 'preview' of the wrinkles that will appear in the future. As skin elasticity decreases with age, these repeated foldings solidify into wrinkles more easily. Therefore After the age of 40, wrinkles form much faster even with the same facial expression habits. no see.

 

Botox, 'Controlling the Speed ​​of Change' Beyond Simple Cosmetics

Botox is not simply a procedure to smooth wrinkles, but a treatment that temporarily controls excessive muscle contraction. It is close to. According to research After the procedure, there is a reduction in jaw muscle thickness or lower facial volume for approximately 3 to 6 months. It is often maintained. However, excessive dosage or frequent repetition can lead to a decrease in chewing strength or muscle atrophy, It is important to accurately design the capacity, location, and spacing. do.

 

Facial expressions affect emotions.

Facial expressions affect not only facial shape but also emotional state. There are also research findings to support this. It has been observed that smiling, even intentionally, tends to lead to a slight improvement in subjective mood or a sense of stability. While this effect may not be significant, the accumulation of daily facial expression habits over the long term can create a sufficiently meaningful difference. Ultimately The face is a result that reflects not only appearance but also a person's facial expressions, emotions, and habits. It can be said that.

 

Conclusion: The period after age 40 is when 'management options' open up.

The medical facts can be summarized as follows:

① Bones are newly formed every day and change shape depending on the strength of the muscles.

② Repeated facial expressions determine future wrinkles.

③ Facial expressions affect emotions.

thus Taking responsibility for your face means understanding these scientific changes and guiding them in the desired direction through proper care. This means that Botox is not merely a cosmetic procedure, but can be viewed as a preventive medical approach that regulates biological changes.

 

👉 An expert's closing line

Your face after your 40s is not a result that unfolds like fate, but can be significantly changed depending on how you understand and manage the changes in your bones, muscles, and skin. What matters is not 'how much you did,' but 'how you approached it.'

 

※ This article provides general information regarding facial changes after the age of 40. It does not recommend specific procedures, guarantee effectiveness, or replace consultation with a professional.

 

**References**

 

1. **Bone Remodeling**: Kenkre, JS & Bassett, JH "The bone remodelling cycle" *Annals of Clinical Biochemistry* 55:308-327 (2018). DOI: 10.1177/0004563218759371; numerous reviews, including StatPearls "Physiology, Bone Remodeling" (2024), report turnover rates of 5–10%.

 

2. **8 Year Wrinkle Study**: Hillebrand, GG et al. “New wrinkles on wrinkling: an 8-year longitudinal study” *British Journal of Dermatology* 162:1233-1241 (2010). PubMed ID: 20184587

 

3. **Facial movement and wrinkles**: Hwang, UJ et al. “Effect of a Facial Muscle Exercise Device on Facial Rejuvenation” *Aesthetic Surgery Journal* 38:463-476 (2018). PubMed ID: 29365050

 

4. **Botox effect**: Nobre, BB et al. "Exploring botulinum toxin's impact on masseter hypertrophy: randomized triple-blinded trial" *Scientific Reports* 14:14522 (2024). PubMed ID: 38914688

 

5. **Meta-analysis of facial feedback**: Coles, NA et al. "A meta-analysis of the facial feedback literature" *Psychological Bulletin* 145:610-651 (2019). DOI: 10.1037/bul0000194

 

6. **Study on facial expressions in 19 countries**: Coles, NA et al. "A multi-lab test of the facial feedback hypothesis" *Nature Human Behaviour* 6:1731-1742 (2022).

 

7. **Botox Side Effects**: Mazzitelli, M. et al. "Botulinum Toxin-A for Myogenous TMD: An Umbrella Review" *Drugs* 84:779-809 (2024). DOI: 10.1007/s40265-024-02048-x, PubMed ID: 38900335

 

8. **Jaw Muscles and Square Jaw**: Multiple Case Reports, PMC and Cureus Journal (2024-2025).

 

Seo Hyeong-cheol, Chief Director of Maypure Dongdaemun Branch

· Graduated from the Department of Medicine, Dankook University College of Medicine

· Specialist in Emergency Medicine at Dankook University Medical Center

 

· Regular member of the Korean Society of Aesthetic Medicine

· Regular member of the Korean Society of Laser Dermatology and Hair Medicine

· Regular member of the Korean Society of Obesity and Body Shape

· Restylane Top Expert

 

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