What Is the Triangle of Youth?

What is the Triangle of Youth, and how does it change over time? Get the answers to those questions, as well as cosmetic treatments (like fillers) that can help you maintain a youthful appearance. 

We use lots of fun terminology in the aesthetic and cosmetic industry. We call lines across the bridge of our nose “bunny lines,” the bulge around our waist a “muffin top,” the wrinkles on the outside corners of our eyes “crow’s feet,” the lines that form at the corners of our mouth “marionette lines,” and the list goes on. These terms tend to focus on what we don’t want. However, we also use a phrase that focuses more on what we aspire to have, called the Triangle of Youth. 

In this post, we turn to Houston-based Registered Nurse, Allergan Trainer, and Injector Nicole Sarmiento for answers about the Triangle of Youth, including what it is and how we can maintain it over time. 

What is the Triangle of Youth?

The Triangle of Youth is a phrase used in the cosmetic and aesthetics industry to describe the ideal youthful shape of one’s face. 

“One thing we look at when it comes to a youthful appearance is the Triangle of Youth,” shares Sarmiento, “The Triangle of Youth has to do with the cheeks, the temples, and the jawline.”

A well-defined jawline, high cheekbones, and full cheeks are the foundation of the triangle, with the bottom point or apex being the chin and the triangle base being the points between the cheeks. A well-defined jawline going into the chin creates a V-shape, enhancing the youthful appearance.

Why does the Triangle of Youth change over time?

“As we get older, we start to lose collagen, bone, and muscle,” Sarmiento continues, “And as we start to see these types of loss in the Triangle of Youth area, the triangle starts to become an upside down triangle.”

As Sarmiento points out, we lose collagen, bone density, and muscle tone as we age, all of which contribute to the triangle of youth slowly inverting over time. 

• Facial bones recede with age, impacting the facial contours. 
• The loss of collagen and elastin leads to an increase in the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles and volume loss. 
• Fat reduction and muscle tone loss occur in our faces as we age, leading to volume loss. 

As these changes occur, instead of seeing the Triangle of Youth, we begin to see what’s referred to as the Pyramid of Age. Where the cheeks are the widest point in the Triangle of Youth, the widest point in the Pyramid of Age is the jawline. In the Pyramid of Age, we begin to see a less defined jawline and jowls, causing a more pyramid-like or rectangular shape. 

How can you maintain and restore the Triangle of Youth?

Various cosmetic and aesthetic treatments are available to help restore the Triangle of Youth. Two popular options include: 

1. Dermal fillers, like chin and cheek dermal filler, add balance and volume
2. Facial rejuvenation treatments, like laser treatments, that help to stimulate collagen production for lifting and tightening of the skin

“One way we get that youthful appearance back is by injecting dermal filler into the areas where we start to lose collagen over time, including the cheeks, jawline, chin, and temples,” states Sarmineto, “We help to restore the Triangle of Youth and add more balance by redefining the chin, and filling in the hollowing out in the temples.”

How do dermal fillers work?

 Dermal fillers are injected into the skin for several reasons, including:

• To add volume
• To reduce the appearance of lines and wrinkles
• To fill in acne scars
• For cheek, jawline, and chin augmentation
• To improve facial balance

When it comes to the Triangle of Youth, as Sarmiento pointed out, dermal fillers are used to add volume, improve facial balance, and augment areas as needed. 

Dermal fillers are made from various types of material, including:

• Hyaluronic acid (HA)
• Collagen
• Polymethylmethacrylate
• Calcium hydroxylapatite
• Poly-l-lactic acid
• Autologous fat  

HA dermal fillers, which are very popular for adding volume and balance, are injected into the skin with immediate results. In fact, most dermal fillers provide immediate results. Some fillers, however, are injected into the skin, with results gradually seen over time. These fillers stimulate the body’s own production of collagen and are referred to as biostimulant fillers.

Once injected into the skin, many dermal fillers can last anywhere from six months to two years. Additional filler injections are needed to maintain results over time. Many like HA fillers because they can be dissolved with an enzyme if someone chooses to do so – in other words, if you don’t love the results, HA fillers can be dissolved.  

What other treatments help to maintain the Triangle of Youth?

Additional treatments that can help to improve and maintain the Triangle of Youth include collagen stimulation treatments, like the following:

• Sofwave
• BBL (broadband light) laser
• Halo laser
• Moxi laser
• Vivace radiofrequency microneedling
• Microneedling
• CoolPeel
• GlacialRX
• Chemical peels

Consider a Triangle of Youth treatment consultation

Wondering what steps you need to take to enhance your natural beauty and Triangle of Youth? Consider scheduling a consultation with your local MedSpa or dermatology clinic! 

You can schedule online 24/7 with DermaTouch RN!

Nicole Sarmiento, BSN, RN

NURSE INJECTOR

Nicole became a Registered Nurse in 2011 after obtaining a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. Since 2013, her focus has been in Medical Aesthetics. Her background includes Botox, Dysport, Fillers, CoolSculpting ELITE, Ultherapy, BBL and Laser Hair Reduction. Nicole enjoys teaching and educating her clients. She has a strong passion for the aesthetic industry, and most importantly, helping others feel and look their absolute best.