When we talk about ageing, we often focus on lines and wrinkles. But changes to the skin are only part of the story.
You may notice that your cheeks don’t look quite as full as they once did, your face appears less defined, or the area around your mouth and lower face seems to have changed. You might even feel that your face looks more tired or drawn, despite having a good skincare routine.
These changes are often linked to facial volume loss.
Understanding how and why facial volume changes over time can help explain why your face may look different as you get older, and why simply treating wrinkles isn’t always the answer.
What is facial volume loss?
Facial volume loss is a natural part of the ageing process.
When we’re younger, the face generally has more volume and structure beneath the skin. This includes fat, bone and soft tissue, which all contribute to the shape and proportions of the face.
As we age, changes occur to these structures. We gradually lose volume in certain areas, while other areas may become more prominent or change position.
This can affect the overall shape of the face rather than simply creating individual lines and wrinkles.
Why does facial volume decrease as we age?
There isn’t one single reason why facial volume changes.
Ageing affects several different structures within the face, including the skin, fat, muscle and bone.
Changes to facial fat
The fat beneath our skin isn’t simply lost evenly across the face.
Some areas may lose volume, while fat in other areas can become more prominent or move lower on the face. This can contribute to changes in facial contours and definition.
For example, reduced volume through the cheeks can make the mid-face appear flatter or less supported, while changes lower down can contribute to a heavier appearance around the jawline.
Changes to collagen and elastin
Collagen and elastin are important proteins that help give the skin its structure, firmness and elasticity.
As we age, our natural production of collagen gradually decreases. This can contribute to thinner, less elastic skin and a reduction in the skin’s ability to support the tissues underneath it.
Sun exposure, lifestyle and genetics can also influence how our skin changes over time.
Changes to the bones
Facial ageing isn’t only about the skin and soft tissue.
The underlying facial bones also change gradually as we get older. Changes to the structure and support provided by the bones can contribute to alterations in facial shape and proportions.
This is one reason why treating the skin alone may not address every change associated with ageing.
Where do we tend to lose facial volume?
Everyone ages differently, but some areas commonly affected by volume changes include:
Cheeks – Loss of volume through the cheeks can make the mid-face appear flatter or less defined.
Temples – Reduced volume around the temples can create a more hollow appearance.
Under the eyes – Changes in volume can contribute to a more hollow or tired-looking appearance around the eyes.
Lips – Lips can gradually lose volume and definition as we age.
Lower face – Changes in volume and tissue support can affect the appearance of the jawline and lower face.
It’s important to remember that facial ageing is different for everyone. Genetics, lifestyle, sun exposure and individual facial anatomy all play a role.
Is facial volume loss the same as having wrinkles?
Not necessarily.
Wrinkles and volume loss are related to the ageing process, but they are different concerns.
Wrinkles are often caused by a combination of repeated facial movement, changes within the skin and reduced collagen and elastin.
Volume loss occurs deeper within the face and can affect the overall structure and proportions.
This is why someone may have relatively few wrinkles but still feel that their face has changed significantly with age.
Equally, someone may have lines and wrinkles without needing additional volume.
Understanding the difference is important when considering aesthetic treatment.
Can facial volume loss be treated?
For some people, dermal fillers may be an appropriate option for restoring volume in specific areas of the face.
Dermal fillers can be used to add volume and support to areas such as the cheeks, lips or chin, depending on the individual’s anatomy and treatment goals.
However, restoring volume doesn’t necessarily mean trying to recreate the face you had in your twenties.
A considered approach is about understanding where volume has changed and deciding whether restoring a small amount could help create greater balance.
Does treating facial volume loss mean having lots of filler?
Absolutely not.
One of the biggest misconceptions about dermal fillers is that treating facial ageing requires large amounts of product.
In reality, subtle changes can sometimes make a meaningful difference.
The amount of filler required depends on the area being treated, the degree of volume loss and the result you’re hoping to achieve.
For some people, dermal fillers may not be appropriate at all. Other treatments or a combination of approaches may be better suited to their concerns.
This is why we believe consultation should come before treatment.
Why facial assessment matters
Your face doesn’t exist as a collection of separate areas.
The cheeks influence the appearance of the under-eye area. The position of the cheeks can affect the way the lower face looks. The chin and jawline contribute to overall facial proportions.
Because of this, treating one area without considering the rest of the face isn’t always the best approach.
During a consultation, we can look at your facial structure as a whole and discuss what you would like to improve.
The aim isn’t to change your face. It’s to understand what has changed and consider whether treatment could help restore some of the balance and definition you feel you’ve lost.
Can skincare prevent facial volume loss?
A good skincare routine is important for maintaining healthy skin, but skincare cannot replace lost volume beneath the skin.
Using SPF regularly, protecting your skin from excessive sun exposure, maintaining a consistent skincare routine and looking after your general health can all support the condition of your skin as you age.
Treatments such as skin resurfacing, microneedling and other collagen-stimulating treatments may also help improve skin quality, depending on your individual concerns.
But if the concern is specifically a loss of facial volume, it’s important to understand that this is a deeper structural change.
What about anti-wrinkle injections?
Anti-wrinkle injections and dermal fillers work in different ways.
Anti-wrinkle treatments work by temporarily reducing the movement of specific muscles, which can soften certain expression lines.
Dermal fillers, on the other hand, can be used to add volume or structure beneath the skin.
This doesn’t mean that one treatment is better than the other. It simply means that they address different aspects of facial ageing.
For some patients, a combination of treatments may be appropriate. For others, one treatment or no treatment at all may be recommended.
The importance of natural-looking results
If you’re considering treatment for facial volume loss, it’s understandable to worry about looking different or “overfilled”.
Our approach is to focus on subtle, balanced results that complement your existing features.
We don’t believe that looking younger means trying to erase every sign of ageing. Facial movement, expression and some natural lines are part of what makes your face yours.
Instead, treatment should be carefully considered around your individual anatomy and what you want to achieve.
When should you consider treatment for facial volume loss?
There isn’t a particular age when you should start having treatment.
Some people may notice changes in their twenties or thirties, while others may not become concerned about facial volume until later in life.
Age alone shouldn’t determine whether treatment is appropriate.
The more important questions are:
- What are you noticing about your face?
- What would you like to improve?
- Are your expectations realistic?
- Is there a treatment that can safely address your concern?
- Would treatment actually benefit you?
A consultation is the best way to explore these questions.
Facial ageing is more than just wrinkles
The way your face changes with age is a combination of many different factors.
Changes to facial fat, collagen, skin elasticity, bone structure and soft tissue can all contribute to the way your features look over time.
Understanding this can help explain why your face may look different even if you’re not particularly concerned about wrinkles.
And if you’re considering aesthetic treatment, it also highlights why an individual approach is so important.
At Rebecca Taylor Aesthetics, we take the time to understand your concerns and assess your face as a whole before recommending treatment. Our aim is always to provide honest advice and, where treatment is appropriate, create subtle results that still look like you.
Considering treatment for facial volume loss?
If you’re noticing changes to your facial volume and would like to understand your options, a consultation at Rebecca Taylor Aesthetics can be a good place to start.
We’ll discuss your concerns, assess your individual facial structure and explain which treatments may or may not be suitable for you.
You don’t need to know which treatment you need before you come in. That’s what your consultation is for.