Volume loss in the face is something that is bound to occur as we age. The fat under our skin reduces, and the underlying tissue shrinks with age (due to decreasing collagen), leaving the face looking less voluminous with time. Loss of face volume is also caused by sun exposure, as it speeds up the deterioration of collagen and elastin. Other factors also include stress, major weight loss, and hormonal changes. Having sufficient volume in the face can help one look more youthful. When areas such as the cheeks and lips have a good amount of volume, it helps the overall face look naturally plump and fresh. A loss of volume can reduce the tightness of the skin and make it sag and wrinkle. The Estherian Clinic has comprehensive solutions that are the perfect treatment for loss of facial volume. Stick around to know more.
⏳ Facial Volume and Its Role in Youthful Appearance
Facial volume is the volume in our faces due to the presence of fat, bone, and muscle. As we age, this volume gradually decreases. The fat shrinks, the skin becomes thinner, the bones also thin out, and our muscles become less and less toned. The fat also begins to shift in our faces. This can eventually lead to a much more mature and hollowed face as well as the appearance of jowls.
Areas such as the cheeks, the jawline, the under eyes, etc, are the most affected by this loss of volume. The under eyes and cheeks become sunken with time, thereby losing their smooth and plump appearance.
📍 Everything from genetics to lifestyle to even environmental factors can affect the way and the speed at which we age.
👩⚕️ Signs of Volume Loss in the Face
- Wrinkles are the main sign of losing volume in the face. The skin loses its even and smooth appearance and begins to develop folds and creases.
- The lips also lose their plumpness and become thinner gradually, with lines forming around them.
- The appearance of nasolabial folds.
- A loss of volume around the eyes and the brow area accentuates the brow bone.
- Hollowed temples.
- The appearance of jowls and sagging skin on the lower face.
- Fat accumulation under the chin leads to the appearance of a double chin.
- A loss of volume in the cheeks, making them look flat.
😮 Causes of Loss of Facial Volume
As we have mentioned above, the natural process of aging can lead to reduced volume in the face. However, losing a large amount of weight can also affect the fullness of the cheeks and decrease the overall volume of the face. The UV rays from exposure to the sun can also diminish collagen production and reduce elasticity in the skin. Lifestyle choices such as smoking can cause premature aging as well. And lastly, some people are genetically predisposed to aging faster and losing facial volume.
✨ How to Restore Volume to Your Face Naturally
Skincare is one of the most effective ways to naturally restore volume in the face and protect the elasticity of your skin. Using products containing hyaluronic acid and peptides may help stimulate collagen and elastin production, bringing some plumpness and volume to the skin. Certain anti-aging creams can also help with signs of aging, such as crow’s feet.
Facial exercises are also a great way to prevent the facial muscles from becoming less toned. Moreover, keeping the skin protected from the harsh UV rays by using an SPF 50 can also help improve skin texture. Sufficient hydration and nutrient-rich foods can also help improve some signs of mild aging on the skin.
Additionally, Red Light Therapy, or RLT, can be effective to fight age spots and wrinkles as it uses red light (low levels) to improve circulation and stimulate collagen production.
💉 Non-Surgical Medical Treatments for Volume Loss
Dermal Fillers
Age-related volume loss is more prominent in the mid-face, particularly in cheeks, under-eyes, temples, forehead, jawline, chin, nasolabial folds, lips, etc. Dermal fillers are injectable aesthetic treatments that aim to restore facial volume, smooth wrinkles, and restore plump skin aesthetics.
Dermal fillers use Hyaluronic acid, Calcium Hydroxylapatite, PMMA, etc., to enhance facial aesthetics and contours. The treatment requires only topical and local anesthesia. Dermal fillers for volume loss are an effective treatment, and the downtime afterwards is only a few days. Depending on several factors, the results may last from 6 to 18 months.
Biostimulators
For healthy and youthful skin, collagen is essential. Facial collagen stores decrease as we age, exacerbating volume loss and worsening skin texture. Biostimulators are an effective midface volume loss treatment. Similar to fillers, these are also injectables. They stimulate collagen production in the face and restore volume. Biostimulators make use of substances such as PLLA (Poly-L-Lactic Acid), PCL (Polycaprolactone), etc. The results may last between 1 to 2 years.
PDO Threads
PDO stands for Polydioxanone Threads. These are absorbable sutures. Commonly known as a thread lift, this method uses PDO threads to lift sagging tissue and improve facial contours. Secondarily, these threads may stimulate collagen production, leading to restoration in volume and improvement in skin texture.
🔪 Surgical Options for Significant Volume Loss
Fat Transfer (Fat Grafting)
Fat grafting takes fat from a donor area and relocates it to an area of volume loss (for example, sunken cheek treatment). This process is also known as an Autologous fat transfer, as the fat stores are harvested from the patient’s own body. Common donor areas for fat grafting include the thighs and the abdomen. The procedure results in permanent relocation of fat stores and has durable outcomes. This type of surgical facial volume loss treatment is ideal for improving the contours of the cheeks, temples, and the jawline. The results are long-lasting and natural.
Midface Lift or Full Facelift
A facelift is a comprehensive facial aesthetic surgery. It addresses multiple age-related facial issues at once. A facelift is also referred to as a Rhytidectomy procedure. There are several types of facelifts. The less invasive types, like a Mini Facelift or an SMAS Facelift, may only require local anesthesia with sedation. However, more extensive types like a full facelift or a deep-plane facelift necessitate general anesthesia. The results of facelift surgery are more noticeable and highly durable. This type of facial surgery is usually reserved for pronounced facial volume loss (patients 40 years and above)
🌟 Let the Surgeons at the Estherian Clinic Choose the Right Treatment for You!
The Estherian Clinic has some of the leading names in the field of plastic surgery offering carefully curated treatment plans to its patients. Our surgeons have a detailed pre-surgery consultation with every patient to ensure all the essential factors are considered for a successful outcome.
Get your consultation with the best facial rejuvenation surgeons in Turkey by booking your slot today! ✨