Why Is My MIdface Sunken In Now As Compared To When I Was Younger?

Q: Dr. Eppley, Recently I have been going through older photos and realized my midface is completely sinked in compared to when I was younger. This is shocking because I’m only 21. My cheeks were more pronounced and my scleral show was less prominent. I look very haggard for my age as a result. Could there be any reason for this? I’ve attached a collage below, the top left being me now and the others being when I was younger. I am very insecure about my appearance as a result.

A:The explanation is simple…growth and development. As the lower jaw and the dentoalveolar processes only fully develop in the late teenage and early adult years the once fuller midface now becomes recessive by comparison. That and losing some midface fat from testosterone effects. Your face has now become what it is genetically programmed to be.

Dr. Barry Eppley

World-Renowned Plastic Surgeon