Facial Volume Loss
Facial Definition
Facial shape and contours naturally change over time.
Some people notice reduced fullness through the cheeks or temples, changes around the eyes and mouth, or less definition through the lower face and jawline.
These changes are not caused by one factor alone.
Ageing can affect facial fat, bone, supporting tissues, muscle, skin quality and collagen.
Genetics, weight changes, sun exposure and individual facial anatomy can also influence facial volume and definition.
At Face and Body Adelaide, facial volume loss and changes in facial definition are assessed individually.
Rather than focusing on one feature alone, we consider the face as a whole and discuss management options based on your anatomy, concerns, medical history and individual preferences.
Common Concerns Associated with Facial Volume Loss
Changes in facial volume and definition can affect different areas of the face. Common concerns include:
- Loss of cheek or mid-face volume
- Flatter or less defined cheeks
- Hollowing through the temples
- Changes around the under-eye area
- Reduced jawline or chin definition
- Changes around the mouth
- Deepening facial folds
- Facial asymmetry
- Changes in overall facial contours
- A more tired or drawn appearance associated with structural change
The cause and degree of these changes vary between individuals. An area that appears to have lost volume may also be influenced by skin laxity, tissue position or changes in underlying facial support.
Why Does Facial Volume Change?
Facial ageing occurs across several anatomical layers rather than involving the skin alone.
Changes in Facial Fat
Facial fat is distributed in different compartments. Over time, these compartments may change in volume and position, influencing the appearance of the cheeks, temples, under-eye region and lower face.
Changes in Bone and Structural Support
The underlying facial skeleton also changes with age. These structural changes can influence facial proportions and the support provided to overlying soft tissues.
Changes in Supporting Tissues
Age-related changes in ligaments and other supporting tissues may contribute to changes in facial contours and tissue position. These changes can occur alongside volume loss and skin laxity.
Skin Quality, Collagen and Elastin
Changes in collagen, elastin, skin thickness and hydration can affect skin firmness and the way facial contours appear. Cumulative sun exposure and other environmental factors can also contribute to skin ageing.
Genetics, Weight and Lifestyle
Genetics influence facial structure, proportions and fat distribution. Significant weight changes can also alter facial volume and contours. Lifestyle and environmental factors, including smoking and cumulative sun exposure, may contribute to premature skin ageing.
Understanding Facial Definition
Facial definition refers broadly to how different facial contours and structures relate to one another. The cheeks, temples, chin, jawline and lower face all contribute to the overall facial profile.
There is no single ideal facial shape or proportion. Natural variation is normal, which is why assessment should consider your individual anatomy rather than applying a standardised facial template.
Facial Volume Loss vs Sagging Skin
Facial volume loss and sagging skin can occur together, but they are not the same concern.
Volume loss relates primarily to changes in facial fullness and structural support. Sagging or laxity involves changes in the skin, supporting tissues and tissue position.
For some people, volume change is the predominant concern. For others, skin laxity, tissue position and structural changes may all contribute.
Understanding the difference is important because an approach intended to address volume may not be appropriate for every person concerned about sagging or jowls. Similarly, treatments directed primarily towards skin firmness may not address a concern related mainly to structural volume change.
Common Areas of Facial Volume Change
- Cheeks and mid-face
- Under-eye region
- Around the mouth
- Chin
- Lower face
- Jawline
Assessment should consider the surrounding facial structures because changes in one area can influence the appearance and balance of another.
Management Options for Facial Volume Loss & Definition
There is no single treatment suitable for everyone concerned about facial volume or definition.
Management depends on your anatomy, the cause and degree of the concern, skin quality, medical history, previous cosmetic procedures and individual preferences.
Following assessment, different treatment categories may be discussed.
Facial Volume and Structural Support
Where loss of facial volume or structural support is contributing to the concern, suitable management options may be discussed during a consultation with an appropriately qualified health practitioner.
Treatment recommendations are based on an individual assessment, including your concerns, facial anatomy, medical history and clinical suitability.
A consultation and appropriate clinical assessment are required to determine which treatment options, if any, may be suitable for you and to discuss potential risks, alternatives, limitations and expected recovery.
Collagen-Stimulating Approaches
Where changes in skin quality, firmness or facial support contribute to the concern, collagen-stimulating treatment approaches may be considered for suitable individuals.
Different treatment categories work in different ways and are not appropriate for everyone. The choice of approach depends on factors including the treatment area, facial anatomy, medical history, previous procedures and individual priorities.
Energy-Based Treatments
When facial volume changes occur alongside skin laxity or reduced firmness, energy-based treatments such as HIFU may be considered for selected individuals.
These treatments address different concerns from volume-based approaches. Suitability depends on facial anatomy, tissue characteristics and the degree of laxity.
Thread-Based Procedures
Where tissue position and facial support are contributing factors, thread-based procedures may be discussed for selected individuals.
Thread procedures have specific indications, limitations and risks. Suitability depends on individual anatomy, skin and tissue characteristics, medical history and previous cosmetic procedures.
Why a Combination Approach May Be Considered
Facial ageing commonly involves several changes at the same time. For example, a person may experience facial volume loss together with skin laxity, reduced collagen, changes in tissue position and altered facial contours.
For this reason, treatment planning may involve one approach or a staged combination of different treatment categories.
Combination treatment does not mean that every concern needs to be treated or that more procedures are necessarily better. The purpose is to identify the factors contributing to your concerns and determine which, if any, treatment approaches may be appropriate.
Our Personalised Approach
At Face and Body Adelaide, facial volume is not assessed by looking at one isolated feature.
Your practitioner may consider the relationship between your cheeks, temples, under-eye region, lips, chin, jawline and lower face, together with skin quality, tissue laxity and overall facial proportions.
The aim of consultation is to understand your concerns, assess the relevant anatomy and discuss appropriate options, alternatives, limitations and risks before you decide whether to proceed.
What to Expect During Your Consultation
Your consultation provides an opportunity to discuss the facial changes you have noticed and understand what may be contributing to them.
Your practitioner may assess:
- Facial proportions and profile
- Cheek and mid-face volume
- Temple volume
- Under-eye and surrounding structures
- Chin and jawline definition
- Lower-face contours
- Skin quality and laxity
- Facial asymmetry
- Previous cosmetic procedures
- Relevant medical history and medications
- Your concerns, preferences and expectations
Depending on the assessment, your practitioner may discuss one treatment category, a staged combination approach, alternatives or no treatment.
There is no obligation to proceed with treatment following consultation
Risks & Considerations
All cosmetic procedures have potential risks, limitations and recovery considerations. The specific risks depend on the procedure being considered.
Temporary effects from some procedures may include swelling, bruising, redness, tenderness or discomfort. Some procedures can also carry uncommon but potentially serious complications that require prompt recognition and management.
Relevant risks, alternatives, expected recovery and aftercare should be discussed before treatment as part of informed consent.
Individual responses and outcomes vary. Cosmetic treatment cannot stop the ageing process or guarantee a particular facial shape, degree of definition or appearance.
Who May Not Be Suitable for Treatment?
Suitability depends on the treatment being considered and your individual medical circumstances.
Some treatments may need to be postponed or may not be appropriate in the presence of active infection or inflammation, certain medical conditions, particular medications, pregnancy or breastfeeding, or other treatment-specific contraindications.
Previous cosmetic procedures should be disclosed during consultation. Further medical assessment or clearance may be recommended where appropriate.
Frequently Asked Questions
What causes facial volume loss?
Facial volume changes may result from a combination of ageing, changes in facial fat, underlying bone and soft tissues, genetics and significant weight changes. Different factors may contribute in different people.
At what age does facial volume loss begin?
Not exactly. Profile balancing focuses primarily on the side view, while facial balancing considers the front, side and three-quarter views. Profile balancing can therefore form part of a broader facial balancing assessment.
Why do my cheeks look flatter as I get older?
Changes in facial fat, soft tissues and underlying structural support can alter cheek contours over time. Skin laxity may also contribute.
What causes hollow temples?
Temple hollowing may be influenced by individual anatomy, age-related changes in soft tissue and underlying structures, as well as changes in body weight.
Is facial volume loss the same as sagging skin?
No. They can occur together but involve different anatomical changes. Volume loss relates to changes in facial fullness and support, while sagging relates more to skin and soft-tissue laxity or position.
What treatment is best for facial volume loss?
There is no single treatment that is best for everyone. The appropriate approach depends on your anatomy, areas of concern, skin and tissue characteristics, medical history, previous treatments and individual preferences.
Can collagen-stimulating treatments be considered?
Collagen-stimulating approaches may be discussed for suitable individuals where skin quality, firmness or facial support are relevant concerns. The appropriate option depends on individual assessment.
Can HIFU be considered if I also have facial volume loss?
HIFU is generally considered in relation to skin firmness and laxity rather than replacing facial volume. Whether it is appropriate depends on your anatomy and the combination of concerns present.
Can different treatments be combined?
In selected circumstances, different treatment categories may form part of a staged management plan. Treatment selection, sequencing and intervals should be determined following individual assessment.
How many treatments will I need?
This depends on the treatment category, areas being addressed, individual anatomy and response. An appropriate plan can be discussed following assessment.
Is there downtime?
Recovery varies according to the procedure. Some treatments may involve temporary swelling, bruising, redness, tenderness or other treatment-specific effects. Expected downtime and aftercare will be discussed before proceeding.
Book A Facial Balancing Consultation
If you are concerned about facial volume loss, flatter cheeks, hollowing or changes in facial definition, a consultation can help identify the factors contributing to these changes and determine whether cosmetic treatment may be appropriate.
At Face and Body Adelaide, treatment planning is based on individual assessment rather than a standard approach. Depending on your anatomy and concerns, your practitioner may discuss one treatment category or a combination of approaches, together with alternatives, potential risks, expected recovery and limitations.
Book a consultation with Face and Body Adelaide to discuss your concerns and individual treatment options.