Understanding Facial Muscles and Their Role in Ageing

As a practitioner, one of the most important things I explain to clients is that facial ageing is not just about the skin. Much of what we see developing over time is the result of repeated muscle movement.

Every expression we make is controlled by muscles that either lift, pull upward, pull downward, or pull inward. Over time, these repeated actions create the lines, folds, and changes in facial shape that we associate with ageing.

Understanding what each muscle is responsible for helps explain why certain wrinkles form and why different areas of the face lift or drop over time.

The Forehead -The Lifting Muscle

Frontalis

The frontalis muscle sits across the forehead and is responsible for lifting the eyebrows.

Each time we raise our brows in expression, this muscle contracts. Over time, repeated use creates horizontal forehead lines. In some individuals, the frontalis works harder to compensate for dropping brows, which can make these lines more prominent.

The Frown Muscles -Pulling In and Down

Corrugator

Located between the eyebrows, the corrugator muscle pulls the brows inward. This movement creates the vertical lines often referred to as frown lines or “11 lines”.

Procerus

Situated at the top of the nose, the procerus pulls the brows downward. It contributes to horizontal lines across the bridge of the nose and adds to the appearance of a heavy or tense frown.

Around the Eyes – The Pulling In Muscle

Orbicularis Oculi

This circular muscle surrounds the eyes and is responsible for closing them. It pulls inward when we smile, squint, or blink.

Over time, this repeated movement leads to the development of crow’s feet and fine lines at the outer corners of the eyes.

The Mid Face – The Lifting Muscles

Zygomatic Major and Minor

These cheek muscles are responsible for pulling the mouth upward when we smile.

They create lift in the mid-face and contribute to cheek elevation. Changes in the strength or support of these muscles can contribute to flattening of the cheeks and a reduction in youthful lift.

The Mouth Corners –-The Downward Pullers

Depressor Anguli Oris (DAO)

This muscle sits at the corners of the mouth and pulls them downward.

Over time, this action contributes to downturned mouth corners and the formation of marionette lines, which can create a sad or tired appearance even when the face is at rest.

The Chin –-The Tightening Muscle

Mentalis

Located in the chin, the mentalis pulls the chin upward and inward.

When overactive, it can create dimpling or a pebbled texture in the chin and contribute to tension in the lower face.

The Neck -The Lower Face Puller

Platysma

The platysma extends from the neck into the lower face and pulls downward on both sides of the neck.

This muscle plays a significant role in lower face ageing, contributing to jawline heaviness, neck bands, and softening of the lower facial contours over time.

Why This Matters

Facial ageing is not solely a result of skin quality or volume loss. It is strongly influenced by muscle behaviour.

Some muscles lift.
Some pull inward.
Some pull downward.

Over time, these repetitive actions shape how the face changes.

Understanding this allows for a more informed and tailored approach to treatment planning, ensuring that the natural structure and movement of the face are respected.

At Kylie Jane Cosmetics, treatment planning always considers the underlying muscle dynamics, not just what is visible on the surface.