What is Facial Volume Loss?
As we age, one of the most significant and sometimes surprising changes in the face is the gradual loss of volume. This isn’t just about fat—although fat plays a key role—facial volume loss also involves changes in bone structure, muscle tone, and skin quality. All of these layers work together to give the face its youthful shape and contour, and when volume is lost, we begin to see sagging, hollowing, and a more tired appearance overall.
What Causes Facial Volume Loss?
To help explain the causes of facial volume loss, let’s start with fat. In a youthful face, fat is distributed evenly and acts like soft padding under the skin, giving fullness to the cheeks, temples, under-eye area, and around the mouth. As we age, we don’t just lose fat—we also experience fat redistribution. Some fat pads shrink, especially in the midface, while others may descend or become more prominent in less desirable areas, like under the chin or along the jawline. This creates shadows and hollows, leading to features like flattened cheeks, sunken temples, tear troughs under the eyes, and deeper nasolabial folds (the lines from the nose to the mouth).
Bone loss also plays a major role. As we age, the bones of the face—particularly the maxilla (midface), jaw, and orbital rim (eye sockets)—undergo remodeling and resorption. This reduces structural support for the overlying tissues, contributing to sagging skin, jowls, and a shrinking appearance around the eyes and mouth.
Muscle tone changes as well. Facial muscles may weaken or become more hyperactive in certain areas, further contributing to lines, folds, and loss of lift. Meanwhile, the skin itself becomes thinner and less elastic due to a decline in collagen, elastin, and hyaluronic acid production.
The overall effect of these changes is a shift from the heart-shaped or “triangle of youth” face—fuller at the top and tapered at the bottom—to a more bottom-heavy, squared appearance. This can make the face appear older or more fatigued, even if you feel vibrant and energetic.
How Do We Treat Facial Volume Loss at Esslinger Medical and Aesthetics?
Fortunately, there are non-surgical options that can help restore facial volume—such as dermal fillers, biostimulatory injectables, and energy-based treatments—that can be tailored to your anatomy and aesthetic goals. If you’re interested, I’d be happy to discuss a plan that addresses these changes in a natural and balanced way.
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