Understanding why volume changes occur can help you determine which treatment options may suit your face.
What Causes Facial Volume Loss?
Aging affects several layers of the face. Skin becomes thinner and less elastic, facial fat pads can shrink or shift downward, and bone structure gradually changes. Together, these changes can create hollows, folds, sagging, and less definition.
Facial volume loss may show up as:
- Flatter cheeks
- Hollowing beneath the eyes
- Deeper smile lines
- Jowls along the jawline
- Loose skin in the lower face or neck
- A tired or drawn appearance
Sun exposure, genetics, weight changes, smoking, and stress can also influence how quickly these changes appear.
Why Volume Loss Can Change Facial Shape
Younger faces often have more fullness through the cheeks and midface. As that support decreases, the face can look heavier in the lower half. This is one reason volume loss and skin laxity often appear together.
For example, cheek volume loss can make the under-eyes look more hollow, and the smile lines look deeper. At the same time, skin and tissue descent can contribute to jowls or neck looseness. That’s why facial rejuvenation often looks at the face as a whole, not just one line or fold.
Can Fillers Help With Lost Volume?
Dermal fillers can help restore volume in certain areas, such as the cheeks, lips, or smile lines. They may be a good fit when volume loss is mild to moderate, and skin laxity isn’t the main concern.
Fillers can soften shadows and improve contour, but they can’t remove loose skin or lift deeper facial tissues the way surgery can. Your provider can explain when nonsurgical treatment is enough and when a surgical option may be more appropriate.
When to Consider a Facelift
A facelift may be a better fit when sagging skin, jowls, and neck laxity become more noticeable. By tightening deeper tissues and removing excess skin, the procedure can improve definition in the lower face and neck without changing your natural features.
Depending on your concerns, your surgeon may also discuss options such as eyelid surgery, brow lift, skin resurfacing, fillers, BOTOX® Cosmetic, or facial implants.
Facial Rejuvenation in Ocala, FL
Facial volume loss is a normal part of aging, but you have options if those changes are starting to bother you. Ocala Plastic Surgery & Dermatology in Ocala, FL, can help you compare facial rejuvenation choices based on your skin, facial structure, and goals. To learn what may fit your needs, contact us or call 352-629-8154.
