Have you ever noticed that older people seem to have larger ears and noses? Also, cartoons often portray grandmoms and grandpops with facial features in which you can notice bigger noses and ears.
That is completely accurate, our ears and noses get bigger constantly! However, there is quite some debate as to why does it happen? There are two possible theories that could back up the fact.
The first theory claims that the reason for the “enlargement” of these features is gravity. According to this claim, the force of gravity causes our noses and our earlobes to sag and become larger. While our nose might sag, our cheeks and lips actually lose volume, making everything else look comparatively larger.
However, a few scientists have considered that the answer to the question is much more interesting!
Their theory is that our noses and ears never stop growing until we die. According to Dr. Ryan Neinstein, a plastic surgery practitioner at NYC Surgical Associates and Neinstein Plastic Surgery, bones stop growing after puberty and muscle and fat cells also stop dividing. Our noses and ears, however, are unique compared to the rest of our bodies because they’re composed of soft tissue enveloped in cartilage. And it’s this soft tissue that keeps growing throughout our entire lives. Not only does cartilage grow, but the earlobes elongate from gravity. And that makes ears look even larger. And no, it’s not just “drooping” due to gravity. Dr. Neinstein says that noses and ears grow up as well as down.
Source: Doctor Oz, The Healthy, Flushing Hospital
