Dr. Amanda Holden closes the Five Pillars of Aging series with Pillar Five: muscle tone and strength. While most people think about aging through the lens of wrinkles, skin texture, or facial volume, muscle may be one of the most important changes happening beneath the surface.

Beginning around age 30, adults lose an average of 3 to 8% of muscle mass per decade. Over time, that loss can accelerate and contribute to weaker posture, declining balance, reduced strength, and everyday activities becoming more difficult. Dr. Holden explains that muscle is not only about appearance. It is about function, movement, independence, longevity, and how people feel in their bodies as they age.

This conversation becomes even more important as more patients experience significant weight loss through lifestyle changes, wellness programs, and GLP-1 therapies. Weight loss can bring major health benefits, but if patients are not actively focused on preserving or rebuilding muscle, they may lose important muscle mass along the way. The goal is not just a lower number on the scale. The goal is healthier body composition.

Dr. Holden also explains why muscle matters in the face. Facial muscles contribute to support, expression, contour, and structure. While wrinkle relaxers like Botox and Dysport help soften overactive muscles that create dynamic wrinkles, technologies like Emface are designed to support muscles that may be losing tone over time. In the right candidates, these treatments can work together as part of a thoughtful plan.

She also expands the conversation to the body with technologies like Emsculpt Neo, where aesthetics begins to intersect with wellness, strength, mobility, posture, and function.

The five pillars come together as a roadmap for aging intentionally: skin health, dynamic wrinkles, volume loss, skin quality, and muscle tone and strength.