Facial Volume Loss
What can we do about facial volume loss?
Facial volume loss with age can have a large effect facial contouring and facial symmetry, a tell-tale sign of youthfulness. Our facial anatomy is made up of fat pads under the skin that begin to disperse and shift as aging occurs. This change is accompanied by reduced collagen and elastin production which then starts to impact facial plumpness. This can make areas of the face look recessed, droopy or even hollowed depending on the area of volume loss.
Unlike fine lines and wrinkles, volume loss occurs beneath the skin's deeper layers. While aging is the common denominator in both common cosmetic concerns, facial wrinkles occur at the surface level of the skin and are a result of repetitive muscle movement and a range of other factors. Facial volume plays an integral role in how balanced our facial features look, how symmetrical they are, and even how prominent wrinkles appear. From concerns about a drooping lower face, to a weakened jawline, and even a more tired like appearance, it’s important to consider the impact of volume loss on these facial features.
Where do we experience volume loss?
We can expect to experience volume loss in a range of areas across the face including:
The cheeks
Under eye area
The forehead and temples
The jawline and lower facial region
The neck
The lips
Some facial regions are more noticeable when experiencing volume loss like the under-eye area and the cheeks. When these mid facial features begin to lose volume, cheeks can appear flatter and under eyes can appear hollower producing a tired look. This then can accentuate the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, typically along the nasolabial folds. With less fat to support facial areas and keep them plump, the lower face, typically around the mouth sees the deepening of the marionette lines.
What happens to our facial balancing and why?
Changes in facial fat distribution and bone density with age start to alter facial harmonies. These changes become more prominent with the gradual decline in collagen and elastin production giving facial tissue the appearance of sagging and a loss of firmness. While we can all agree that internal factors like aging have a large impact on facial volume, there are a range of external factors that also have a role in volume loss.
These factors can include:
Excessive sun exposure or UV damage
Lifestyle choices like smoking
Dietary intake
Skincare routine consistency
Exposure to pollutants
These external factors can increase the level of oxidative stress your body experiences which in turn can affect facial contouring and volume.
Do genetics affect facial volume loss?
They absolutely can. Some individuals may experience volume loss at a faster rate than others, and potentially in different facial regions.
What can we do about volume loss?
There are a range of non-surgical treatments that can help to restore the effects of volume loss. These treatments can operate using different mechanisms such as collagen stimulation, volumising, or potentially reshaping facial contouring as seen in treatments like COG lifting threads. These solutions require minimal downtime and can take up to one hour to complete. The treatments can help reduce the appearance of fine lines, tighten skin and provide the illusion of youthfulness.
What are some of the common concerns that treatments can address?
Thinning or unsymetrical lips
Hollowing cheeks
Naslobial lines
Marionette lines
Weak chin
Why is it important to undergo a professional consultation with Nurse Kerziah?
Each of us have a different facial anatomy, different features and goals. A personalised approach to treatment ensures that we help you work towards your personal best; results that work with your personal beauty and help you embrace your best you with natural looking results.
Depending on your age, skin type and facial structure, you may require a different approach to treatment. For example, an individual in their 30s might require volume restoration in different areas than someone in their 50s. Preferential factors can also come into play when it comes to redefining facial contouring.
Treatment also needs to consider your medical history and lifestyle. These factors can influence your response to treatment and impact the overall results. Restoring facial volume can help increase confidence in some individuals and lower their perceived age.
Why is it important to address facial volume loss?
The cheeks and mid-face are one of the most noticeable areas for volume loss as they have a higher concentration of fat pads. As these fat pads deplete with slowed collagen production, the mid face begins looking flatter. These fat pads have the ability to accentuate the appearance of deep lines and potentially make you look tired and older. As the volume loss occurs, the mid face begins to droop.
When impacted by volume loss, the under-eye area appears more sunken and accentuates shadows. The skin in this area is much thinner, which can create dark circles. Treatment in this area can create an appearance of alertness.
Volume loss in the chin and jawline can create a looser, less balanced and less defined look for the lower facial region; a sign of aging.
Volume loss in the lips can increase the appearance of fine lines around the mouth. This can also create an unsymmetrical appearance, i.e., making one lip appear larger than the other, reducing top lip show.
Volume restoration treatments are ideal for patients looking to balance their facial features without the need of surgery. This means minimal downtime with more subtle enhancements to balance facial proportions.
What are the after care instructions for dermal filler?
Avoid high intensity/ aerobic exercise for 24 hours.
No smoking or drinking alcohol for 24 hours.
Avoid rubbing or massaging the area.
Avoid laying on the treated area for 24 hours.
Avoid wearing make up for 12 hours.
For cheek augmentation, it is recommended to avoid restrictive headwear such as helmets and sunglasses for up to four weeks.
No waxing or resurfacing the area.
Do not use ibuprofen, aspirin, fish-oil for 24 hours after the injections
There is a small risk of bruising. If this occurs don’t worry as it is temporary, this is generally minor and can be covered up with makeup. Arnica tablets and Hirudoid cream can help reduce the bruising.
You may feel a few lumps for up to 2 weeks, as your body adjusts to the new volume. If you can see any lumps or you have any concerns please contact your Registered Nurse immediately on 0452 041 414.
It can take up to two - four weeks to see the full results. It’s recommended that you attend your scheduled follow up appointment with your cosmetic nurse at the Norwest location.
How long does treatment last?
There are many factors that affect the longevity of dermal fillers. This includes type of dermal filler used, muscle movement in the area, lifestyle, and metabolism. Dermal fillers generally last anywhere from 6 months - 2 years.
The results can be seen immediately after. But keep in mind that there is slight swelling immediately after the treatment. It can take up to 2 months for the dermal filler to settle.
Who is this treatment not suitable for?
Treatment is not suitable if you are pregnant or breast feeding.
If you are under the age of 18 years old (even if you have parental consent).
If you are currently on antibiotics or have an active infection.
Within four weeks of having the covid 19 vaccine.
If you are feeling unwell.