Unfortunately, cheeks don't typically lengthen over time. It's likely you're perceiving your facial features as having a longer appearance, which could be influenced by various factors or be related to a condition known as "long face syndrome." Here's a breakdown of potential reasons:
1. Perspective and Perception:
- Changes in Weight: Weight fluctuations can alter facial fat distribution, making your face appear longer or thinner. Weight loss, in particular, can reduce fat in the cheeks, leading to a more elongated look.
- Aging: As you age, skin loses elasticity, and facial muscles can weaken. This can cause the skin to sag, resulting in a perceived elongation of the lower face and jowls, influencing how your cheeks appear.
- Self-Perception: Our perception of ourselves can change. It's possible your cheeks haven't actually changed, but your perspective has. Consider if you're comparing yourself to older photos or being influenced by social media images.
2. "Long Face Syndrome" (Vertical Maxillary Excess/Skeletal Open Bite):
This condition, also known as excessive vertical facial development, can give the appearance of longer cheeks due to the overall facial structure.
- Definition: Long face syndrome is characterized by an excessive vertical growth of the midface (maxilla).
- Causes: The causes are a mix of genetics and environmental factors.
- Genetics: A predisposition to this type of facial structure can be inherited.
- Environmental: Childhood habits like mouth breathing, thumb sucking, or tongue thrusting can contribute to altered facial development.
- Characteristics: Beyond the perception of long cheeks or a long face, other signs may include:
- A gummy smile (excessive gum showing when smiling)
- Difficulty closing the lips completely without straining
- A steep mandibular plane angle (the angle of the lower jaw)
- An open bite (the front teeth don't meet when biting down)
3. Other Contributing Factors:
- Dental Issues: Misalignment of teeth or jaw problems can affect facial structure and contribute to a perceived elongation.
- Muscle Development: The masseter muscles (used for chewing) can become enlarged through habits like teeth grinding (bruxism), potentially altering the cheek's appearance.
What to Do:
- Assess Objectively: Look at older photos to see if there's a real change in your cheek's appearance or if it's a shift in your self-perception.
- Consult Professionals:
- Dentist/Orthodontist: To assess your bite and jaw alignment. They can identify potential dental issues contributing to facial changes.
- Doctor: To rule out any underlying medical conditions and discuss weight management if relevant.
- Plastic Surgeon/Maxillofacial Surgeon: If you suspect long face syndrome or want to explore surgical options to correct skeletal issues.
In summary, if you feel your cheeks appear long, it could be due to changes in weight, aging, perception, or potentially a skeletal issue like long face syndrome. Consulting with a dental or medical professional is recommended for accurate diagnosis and tailored advice.
