Facial Volume Loss

Facial Volume Loss: Why Your Face Can Look Less Full or Defined with Age

Facial volume loss is a common concern as we get older. You may notice that your cheeks appear less full, your temples look more hollow, or your face seems to have lost some of its youthful shape and definition.

These changes can happen gradually, sometimes becoming noticeable before you feel that your skin has significantly aged. For some people, facial volume loss can make the face look more tired, flat or drawn, even when they feel well-rested.

Understanding why facial volume changes over time can help you make informed decisions about your treatment options.

What Is Facial Volume Loss?

Facial volume loss refers to the gradual reduction or redistribution of the natural fullness beneath the skin.

The face is supported by several layers, including skin, fat, muscle and bone. As we age, changes can occur across these structures. Fat compartments can reduce in volume or shift position, while changes to skin elasticity and underlying bone structure can also contribute to changes in facial shape.

This can affect the natural contours and proportions of the face.

Where Does Facial Volume Loss Occur?

Facial volume loss can occur in different areas and can vary considerably from person to person.

Common areas of concern include:

• Cheeks: Loss of mid-face fullness can make the cheeks appear flatter or less defined. 

• Temples: Hollowing around the temples can become more noticeable with age.

• Under-eye area: Reduced volume can contribute to a more hollow appearance beneath the eyes.

• Around the mouth: Changes in facial volume can contribute to lines and folds around the mouth.

• Lower face: Changes in volume and supporting structures can alter the appearance of the jawline and lower face.

• Lips: Some people notice a reduction in lip volume and definition over time.

Volume replacement treatments | Full facial rejuvenation

Facial volume loss does not necessarily occur evenly. One side of the face may also change differently from the other, contributing to natural facial asymmetry.

Related Patient Concerns

• Dark Circles — Changes in volume around the eyes can contribute to shadowing and a darker appearance.

• Tear Troughs — Reduced volume beneath the eyes can contribute to a more hollow appearance.

• Under Eye Bags — Changes around the eyes can influence the balance between hollowing and under-eye fullness.

• Sagging Jowls — Changes in facial volume can affect lower-face contours and jawline definition.

• Crepey Skin — Facial volume changes can occur alongside changes in skin texture and elasticity.

What Causes Facial Volume Loss?

Ageing is one of the main factors associated with facial volume loss, but it is not the only one.

Factors that can influence facial volume and facial appearance include:

• Natural ageing

• Changes in facial fat distribution

• Changes to skin elasticity and collagen

• Changes in underlying bone structure

• Genetics

• Significant weight loss

• Lifestyle and environmental factors

Because these changes occur at different rates, two people of the same age can have very different patterns of facial volume loss.

What Does Facial Volume Loss Look Like?

Facial volume loss can present in different ways. You may notice:

• Less fullness through the cheeks

• Hollow-looking temples

• A more sunken or tired appearance

• Increased visibility of facial folds

• Changes in facial proportions

• Reduced definition around the cheeks or jawline

• Changes in the appearance of the under-eye area

• A face that looks flatter or more drawn than it used to.

These changes can be subtle at first and may become more noticeable gradually.

Facial Volume Loss vs Skin Ageing

Facial volume loss and skin ageing are related, but they are not the same thing.

Skin ageing can involve changes such as fine lines, pigmentation, dryness and reduced elasticity. Facial volume loss relates more specifically to changes in the fullness and underlying structure of the face.

In many people, these changes occur together. This is why assessing the overall face, rather than focusing on a single line or area, can be important when considering treatment.

Can Facial Volume Loss Be Treated?

Depending on the cause and area of concern, there are several approaches that may be considered to address changes associated with facial volume loss.

Treatment should be individualised according to your facial anatomy, the areas you are concerned about, and the result you are hoping to achieve.

A consultation can help determine whether restoring volume is appropriate for you and, if so, which areas may benefit from treatment.

The aim should be to maintain natural-looking facial proportions rather than simply adding volume.

When Should I Consider Treatment for Facial Volume Loss?

There is no specific age at which you need to treat facial volume loss.

Some people seek advice when they first notice changes in facial fullness, while others become concerned when changes have become more pronounced.

If you have noticed that your face looks less full, more hollow or more tired than it once did, an assessment can help you understand what may be contributing to these changes and what options may be available.

Your Facial Volume Loss Consultation

Every face is different, and facial volume loss can affect people in different ways.

During a consultation, your concerns, facial anatomy and treatment goals can be discussed. This allows your practitioner to assess the areas of volume change and consider how different areas of the face relate to one another.

Treatment recommendations should be based on your individual anatomy rather than a one-size-fits-all approach.

Understanding Your Options

Facial volume loss is a natural part of ageing, but the way it develops is different for everyone.

If you are concerned about changes in facial fullness, a personalised assessment can help you understand the underlying changes and whether treatment may be appropriate for you.

Book a consultation to discuss your concerns about facial volume loss and your treatment options.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Facial Volume Loss

Why does the face lose volume with age?

As we age, changes can occur in facial fat, skin, muscle and underlying bone. These changes can reduce or redistribute facial fullness and alter the contours of the face.

Can weight loss cause facial volume loss?

Significant weight loss can reduce facial fat and may make changes in facial volume more noticeable. The extent of change varies between individuals.

Does facial volume loss cause wrinkles?

Facial volume loss can contribute to the appearance of some lines and folds, particularly when changes in underlying support occur alongside skin ageing. However, wrinkles can have several different causes.

Can facial volume loss make me look tired?

It can. Reduced fullness around areas such as the cheeks, temples and under-eyes can change the way light and shadow fall across the face, which may contribute to a more tired or hollow appearance.

Is facial volume loss the same as sagging?

No. Volume loss and tissue laxity are different changes, although they can occur together. Facial ageing is often the result of several structural and skin changes occurring at the same time.

Can facial volume loss be prevented?

The ageing process cannot be completely prevented, and facial changes are influenced by factors such as genetics and natural ageing. Protecting the skin from excessive sun exposure and maintaining overall health can support skin health, but it cannot completely prevent age-related changes in facial volume.