Facial volume loss is a common skin problem that can dramatically alter your appearance. It creates a tired, aged or sunken-in look, even when you’ve been sleeping well. At ivy clinics, we treat volume loss with a combination of skin improvement and structural support, tailored to your unique facial anatomy. Read below to learn exactly what volume loss is, why it occurs, how to recognize it and what solutions are effective.
What is volume loss?
Volume loss means that fat compartments, connective tissue and sometimes even bone structures in the face diminish or move. These structures normally determine the shape and firmness of your face. When volume decreases, sunken cheeks, a less distinct jawline, a deeper tear trough, dark circles, marionette lines, drooping corners of the mouth and deeper folds appear. Volume loss is often not isolated. It correlates with other skin problems such as skin aging, sunken cheeks, tear trough, marionette lines and sagging chin-jaw line.
How does volume loss occur?
Natural aging
From about age 25, the production of collagen, elastin and hyaluronic acid decreases. The fat compartments in the face also shrink and sag slightly. As a result, youthful contours diminish. See also Skin aging.
Bone Resorption
With age, the skull loses bone mass. The jaw angle changes and the cheeks receive less support.
Rapid weight loss
When you lose a lot of weight, fat in the face can disappear more quickly, causing cheeks and temples to collapse.
Genetic factors
Some people naturally have less volume or thinner skin, so volume loss is more likely to show up.
Hormonal changes
During perimenopause and menopause, estrogen decreases, which accelerates volume loss and skin sagging. See also: pigmentation and sagging skin.
Lifestyle factors
- sun damage
- smoking
- chronic stress
- poor sleep
- nutrient deficiencies
How do you recognize volume loss?
Typical features include sunken cheeks, a deeper tear trough, shadowing under the eyes, loss of contour in the jawline, marionette lines, crease formation and sagging around the mouth and nose.
Related skin problems:
Treatments for volume loss
Volume loss requires a structural approach: you don’t just fill in some, but restore the balance of the face.
Fillers (hyaluronic acid or collagen-stimulating)
Fillers naturally restore volume by supporting the deeper fat compartments. Suitable for cheeks, temples, tear trough, jawline and midface. View the filler treatment
Liquid Facelift
A full-face approach where multiple areas are subtly treated to restore youthful contours. Liquid facelift
Lipofilling
A long-lasting solution using your own fat to restore permanent volume. Lipofilling
Profhilo Structura
Stimulates collagen and elastin and firms the skin at the structural level. Profhilo
Youlaser MT
Suitable for volume loss combined with skin sagging or texture problems. CO2 laser
What can you do yourself against volume loss?
- Use SPF 30-50 daily
- foods rich in antioxidants and omega 3
- sufficient sleep
- stress reduction
- quit smoking
Frequently asked questions about volume loss
When does volume loss begin?
Usually from 25 to 35 years of age, but visible changes often occur from 35 to 45 years of age.
Can volume loss recover on its own?
No. Volume loss comes from structural decrease of fat and support tissue. Treatments are needed to bring back volume.
Which is better: fillers or lipofilling?
Fillers are suitable for subtle contour enhancement, lipofilling for larger and long-term volume correction.
Free consultation
Want to know how much volume loss you have and which treatment is best for your face? At ivy clinics, we offer a free, no-obligation consultation in which we analyze your face anatomically and create a personalized treatment plan.
