Volume Loss in the Face symptoms and causes

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Treatments

Conditions

The symptoms

Fine lines and wrinkles

Sagging skin

Hallow eye socket, temples, and cheeks

Thinning lips

Drooping jowls

When to see a doctor?

Consultation Is The Key

Why I should need a consultation?

Facial volume loss is a normal part of ageing because we lose collagen and elastin as we age. However, you need to consult your doctor for the following reasons to maintain your youthful features

You noticed early signs of facial volume loss. (Hallows under eyes and cheeks, thin or loose skin, or less defined jawline).
There is no improvement in your skin despite regular skincare habits.
You have sudden or uneven volume loss.
If you want to get cosmetic procedures.
You want tailored and long-term anti-ageing treatment.

The Harley Street Skin Clinic offers several methods to restore lost volume in the face, aiming to provide natural-looking volume.

Book an appointment here.

Advised treatments

Non-surgical-face-lift

Face Treatment

Silhouette-soft-thread-lift

Face Treatment

Face Treatment

Face Treatment

Face Treatment

Face Treatment

Hair Treatment

The causes

What causes volume loss in the face?

Facial volume loss can be caused by several factors such as:

Ageing: Collagen and elastin production depreciates, and the process depletes facial fat together with bone density and muscle tissue.
Sun Exposure: Too much sun exposure weakens collagen and elastin structure; thus, it speeds up the ageing of facial skin.
Weight Loss: Rapid weight reduction depletes face fat, which leads to volume loss.
Hormonal Changes: During the menopausal stage, the loss of oestrogen leads to both fat reallocation throughout the body and thinning of facial skin.
Smoking: The effects of smoking create both damaged collagen tissue and limited blood circulation that intensifies skin ageing.
Poor Nutrition: Lack of nutritious substances in the body harms both skin condition and tissue healing abilities.
Medical condition or treatment: Facial fat loss occurs when patients have HIV-associated lipodystrophy or need to undergo chemotherapy treatment.

The risk factors

What are the effects of the facial volume loss on a person?

Hallowed Cheeks: The cheeks become sunken because mid-face fat pads vanish.
Under eye bags and dark circles: Eye volume depletion creates the appearance of exhaustion and older-aged skin around this region.
Nasolabial folds and marionette lines: A decrease in support results in mouth folds together with visible lines.
Sagging skin and jowls: Jawline deformation and skin drooping happen because of structural support degradation.
Older or tired appearance: The face shows signs of tiredness together with evolving into a prematurely aged appearance when there is not enough volume.
Psychological impact: New physical visual changes might influence both self-confidence and self-esteem levels.

The complications

Overall Impact

Physical and emotional effects

Premature ageing appearance
You will look tired and older than your actual age when your face becomes droopy.
Skin laxity and sagging
The decline of skin support structures occurs because of reduced fat and collagen in the body.
Imbalance in facial proportions
Volume loss may appear asymmetrical because it may happen on one side of the face or the other side.

Psychological impact
Individuals who look older because of facial sagging may lose self-confidence, which affects their emotional well-being.
Compromised skin health
Because the skin is thinner and droopy, it may result in injuries or irritation.

The prevention

Block UV Rays

How can sunscreen help delay the ageing process?

If you are always exposed to sunlight it will lead to the development of premature ageing, as it is ranked as the primary factor in skin ageing. The UV rays from the sun can break down the essential proteins elastin and collagen, which causes skin deterioration. Daily application of a broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher offers maximum protection against this skin-damaging harm that can cause deep lines.

Wear sunglasses and hats

You may add extra protection like wearing sunglasses and hats as well as long-sleeved clothing if you cannot avoid going outside during sunny days. The added protection defends your skin and stops eye squinting, which can lead to expression lines developing around your eyes.

Live Healthy

How do you maintain skin elasticity?

Regular consumption of water helps the skin preserve elasticity and makes it retain its natural volume. Dried-out skin appears flat under light, while all skin surfaces appear deeper and older. People should maintain proper water consumption, which amounts to 8 to 10 glasses of water each day, particularly in hot or dry environmental conditions.

Eat a nutrient-rich diet

Your body develops collagen through its natural process when you intake a healthy diet which contains vitamin C, vitamin E, and zinc together with omega-3 fatty acids. The base consists of berries as well as citrus fruits, leafy greens, nuts, seeds, and fatty fish such as salmon. These nutrients maintain skin elasticity while making it stay firm with a full appearance.

Skincare Routine

What is the effect of using retinoids or retinol?

Vitamin A derivatives work to produce collagen and enhance the skin structure. The regular use of these ingredients will preserve facial volume because they support cell turnover and dermal thickening over time. Beginner users should apply these products during the nighttime with small potencies before increasing the strength of their application.

Use moisturiser daily

Moisturising agents function by holding water in the skin tissue to stop both dryness and collapsing cheeks. Hyaluronic acid, together with ceramides and glycerin serves as a skincare ingredient because it locks moisture while creating fuller, supple skin.

Avoid Harmful Habits

Does smoking contribute to skin ageing?

The ageing process of the skin becomes rapidly more advanced in smokers because their blood circulation decreases while the collagen structure breaks down and free radicals appear. The process creates a hollow facial appearance together with wrinkles as it reduces facial volume gradually.

Limit drinking alcohol

Drinking alcohol both dries out the body and removes vital elements from the skin, which results in a sagging and dull appearance. Drinking frequently will accelerate the ageing process of your face while causing it to lose fullness.

Seek Support

Can non-surgical treatment help prevent facial loss?

Yes, our skin can benefit from non-surgical treatments, as they help stimulate collagen production and provide facial volume restoration without the need to undergo invasive procedures. These treatments may include dermal fillers, microneedling, and PRP (platelet-rich plasma) as well as radiofrequency therapy. These are the best options other than surgery.

Visit a dermatologist regularly

A regular visit to your dermatologist can help detect skin issues as early as possible. They can properly assess the condition as well as recommend suitable treatments, skincare choices and nutritional supplements that address your skin needs.