What Causes Volume Loss in the Face as We Age?
Young faces are usually plump, smooth, and tight. As we get older, volume loss in the face is an expected physical change that happens to all of us over time. By knowing more about why you are losing volume, you can take measures to maintain better skin health and explore different ways of restoring your youthful appearance.
Natural Aging Process
The loss of volume in your face can largely be attributed to general aging. When we age, our skin makes less elastin and collagen, the proteins that help maintain a firm, elastic skin structure. As these two proteins decrease, our skin will tend to sag, develop fine lines and wrinkles, etc.
As skin ages, changes also occur in the fat pads beneath the skin. The fat pads provide a more youthful, plump appearance to our faces. As these fat pads diminish in size, the areas in the face, such as the temples, cheeks, and below our eyes, may have a hollow/sunken appearance because we have decreased volume. Thus, both sagging skin and reduced volume in the fat pads together lead to an older-looking appearance.
Loss of Facial Fat
There are small boluses of fat in the cheeks, near the eyes and mouth. These provide cushioning to the skin. With age, these small pockets of fat will start to shrink and continue to migrate downwards due to gravity.
Loss of these small fat boluses can result in a different contour to the face. Cheeks may seem flat, the jawline will be less defined, and under the eyes will have a greater appearance of hollowness. That’s the explanation of why so many older-looking individuals appear tired and/or sunken-in with or without reason to be healthy.
Bone Changes
The bone structure of our face—jaw, cheekbone, brow, and eye socket—eventually changes shape with age due to the loss of bone density/volume via a natural process referred to as ‘bone resorption.’
As we lose bone density, especially from the jaw/cheekbone/brow, the bone’s support also becomes less due to its decreased volume. Reduced support from bone loss results in greater sagging of skin and subcutaneous fat and additionally results in changes to the shape/outline of our jawline, cheek size, and number of lines on either side of the mouth. That is why as people age, they look different than when they were young.
Muscle Changes
With aging, quite similarly to how our bodies and muscle development change, facial muscles change. Delicate facial muscles hold/support the skin, which with continued use over time will honorably begin to weaken due to constant movement and muscular weakness; therefore, wrinkles/folds will begin to develop in the skin.
Sun Exposure and Lifestyle Factors
External factors like sun exposure can speed up facial volume loss. The sun emits ultraviolet (UV) rays that break down collagen and elastin in the skin. Over time, this damage makes the skin thinner and less firm.
Lifestyle habits like smoking, poor diet, and lack of sleep also affect facial volume.
- Smoking reduces blood flow to the skin, which can cause faster collagen loss.
- Poor nutrition deprives the skin of essential vitamins and minerals, leading to a dull and sagging appearance.
- Chronic stress and inadequate sleep can further weaken skin and muscle support.
Gravity and Time
Gravity affects our bodies in every way, including the face. As the tissues in the face lose strength and fat, gravity pulls them downward. This natural effect can cause the cheeks to sag, jowls to form along the jawline, and under-eye areas to hollow.
Time alone is a key factor. Even if someone takes perfect care of their skin, facial volume loss is unavoidable. The combination of thinner skin, reduced fat, weakened muscles, and bone changes will gradually alter facial contours.
Hormonal Changes
Hormones also play a role in facial volume loss. As people age, hormone levels change. For women, menopause reduces estrogen levels, which affects collagen production and skin elasticity. Men also experience a gradual decline in testosterone, which can influence fat distribution in the face.
These hormonal changes can accelerate the signs of aging, making volume loss more visible. Areas like the cheeks, under the eyes, and around the mouth may lose fullness faster due to these changes.
Genetics and Family History
Genetics can influence how quickly and severely facial volume loss occurs. Some people naturally have more resilient skin, stronger facial bones, or more fat in the face. Others may experience early signs of volume loss due to inherited traits.
Family history can help predict which areas of the face may change first. For example, if parents or grandparents had deep under-eye hollows or sagging cheeks, similar changes may occur in their children.
Medical Conditions and Medications
Certain medical conditions and medications can also impact facial volume. Chronic illnesses, hormonal disorders, and extreme weight loss can lead to fat loss in the face. Medications such as steroids or treatments for chronic diseases may affect skin thickness and fat distribution.
It is important to discuss any concerns about facial volume loss with a healthcare provider. Sometimes, addressing underlying health issues can slow down or prevent excessive changes.
How to Slow Down Volume Loss
While aging is inevitable, there are ways to slow down facial volume loss.
- Protecting the skin from the sun by using sunscreen and wearing hats can prevent UV damage.
- Eating a healthy diet rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants supports skin and tissue health.
- Regular exercise, including facial exercises, may help maintain muscle tone.
- Staying hydrated keeps the skin plump and healthy.
- Avoiding smoking and managing stress can also reduce the speed of volume loss.
For those looking for cosmetic solutions, treatments like dermal fillers, fat grafting, or non-surgical skin tightening procedures can restore lost volume. Consulting a dermatologist or plastic surgeon can help determine the best option based on individual needs.
Conclusion
Volume loss in the face is a natural part of aging. It happens due to a combination of factors, including loss of fat, bone changes, muscle weakening, sun damage, lifestyle choices, hormonal changes, and genetics. While it cannot be completely prevented, understanding these causes allows us to take steps to protect our skin and maintain a youthful appearance for longer.
For expert guidance and treatment, connect with Beverly Hills Rejuvenation Center.
FAQs
1. At what age does facial volume loss begin?
Facial volume loss usually starts in the late 20s or early 30s. It becomes more noticeable in the 40s and 50s, but the exact timing varies depending on genetics and lifestyle.
2. Can facial exercises prevent volume loss?
Facial exercises may help strengthen muscles and slightly improve tone, but they cannot fully prevent age-related volume loss caused by fat and bone changes.
3. Do dermal fillers work for volume loss?
Yes, dermal fillers can restore lost volume in areas like cheeks, under the eyes, and around the mouth. The effects are temporary and usually last several months to a year.
4. How does sun exposure affect facial aging?
Sun exposure breaks down collagen and elastin in the skin, making it thinner and less firm. Over time, this accelerates wrinkles, sagging, and volume loss.