Key Takeaways
- Volume loss is one of the three aspects of facial aging alongside sagging skin and skin texture changes, and is often the last to be noticed because it happens gradually.
- Fat pads around the eyes and cheeks begin thinning in the mid-20s, first creating a mature adult appearance and later causing a tired or haggard look.
- As fat depletes, the eyes and cheeks begin to look sunken, hollow, and shadowed, and fine lines that were once filled in by plump tissue become more prominent.
- The severity of facial fat loss is largely determined by genetics, though diet, exercise, sun exposure, and lifestyle choices also play a contributing role.
- Dermal fillers are the primary treatment for facial volume loss, restoring plumpness to sunken areas and softening the hollow, tired appearance that comes with age.
Volume loss is one of the three aspects of facial aging that make us look older and more tired than we might actually be. When combined with the other two aspects of facial aging (sagging skin and changes to our skin texture), we can eventually become frustrated with our appearance.
Volume loss is one of the characteristics of facial aging that you might notice last because it happens slowly, over time; however, the results can be the most noticeable once theyve happened. Volume loss, also known as fat loss, occurs naturally as we age.
The fat pads around our eyes and in our cheeks are especially plump when we are younger (this is why babies have such chubby cheeks) and they begin to thin when we are in our 20s. That helps us go from looking like teenagers and adolescents to adults. However, the thinning eventually reaches a point where we go from looking like regular adults to looking like mature adults.
As we loose volume in our faces, the eyes may begin to look a little more sunken. Our cheeks are no longer plump, which can make us look more tired and less vibrant. The loss of volume under the skin will also make the skin less elastic and firm- a problem that is exacerbated by the natural collagen and elastin deterioration that happens as we age. If you are a sunbather, the collagen and elastin breakdown will be even quicker, making you look even older.
The problem of volume loss is especially difficult for people who are already concerned about their appearance. If you are someone who goes to the gym and watches what you eat so that you will stay slim and keep a firm body, your face will also look thinner. You are trading a tight tush for an older face. This is why some overweight people look younger than thinner people- their skin is still plump and vibrant looking, filling in wrinkles and staying firm.
There are solutions to volume loss that can give you back a radiant and refreshed look. We will discuss those options next week! Call us at (703) 574-2588 with any questions, and follow us on Twitter and Facebook!
Frequently Asked Questions
What is facial volume loss and when does it start?
Facial volume loss, also called fat loss, is the gradual thinning of the fat pads throughout the face that naturally occurs as we age. It begins in the mid-20s, where it first transitions us from a youthful to an adult appearance, and continues through our 30s and 40s when it can make us look tired, thin, and older than we feel.
What does facial volume loss look like?
Volume loss typically shows up as sunken or hollow areas around the eyes and cheeks, increased prominence of fine lines and wrinkles that were previously cushioned by fat, a more gaunt overall facial appearance, and a general sense of looking fatigued or older than one's actual age.
What causes facial fat loss to happen faster in some people than others?
Genetics are the primary factor in how quickly and severely facial fat loss occurs. However, lifestyle choices like significant weight loss, excessive sun exposure, smoking, and certain dietary habits can accelerate the process. People who have lost a significant amount of body weight often notice pronounced facial volume loss alongside their body changes.
How is facial volume loss treated?
Dermal fillers are the primary treatment for facial volume loss. Hyaluronic acid fillers, collagen, or fat grafting can be injected into sunken areas to restore youthful fullness. The treatment is quick, requires no downtime, and produces immediate results that typically last six months to over a year depending on the product and area treated.
Can dermal fillers completely reverse the effects of volume loss?
Dermal fillers can significantly improve and restore a youthful appearance by filling hollow areas and smoothing lines caused by fat depletion. While they cannot permanently reverse all effects of aging, regular maintenance treatments help patients maintain a refreshed and naturally youthful look without the need for surgical intervention.