Volume loss and facial ageing explained

When we think about ageing we often picture wrinkles. In reality many of the changes we notice in the mirror come from something deeper. The face slowly loses volume and support. This changes its shape.

Understanding what is happening underneath can help you make sense of the changes you see. It also helps explain why some treatments work better than others for certain concerns.

The layers of the face

It helps to think of the face in layers:

• Bone at the base giving structure
• Muscles that create expression
• Fat pads that give softness and fullness
• Skin on the surface

All four layers change as we age. Together they explain why a face can look tired or heavier even if there are very few lines.

Bone

From our thirties onwards the bones of the face slowly change shape. The eye sockets widen a little. The cheekbones and jaw lose some projection. With less framework underneath, the soft tissue above has less to sit on.

Fat

A youthful face has fat pads that sit high and full. Over time some of these shrink while others slide downwards. This can create hollowness under the eyes and in the cheeks, deeper lines from the nose to the mouth and heaviness along the jaw.

Muscle

Repeated expressions lead to lines on the forehead, between the brows and around the eyes. Some muscles also pull more strongly downwards with age, which can drag the corners of the mouth.

Skin

Collagen and elastin decrease every year. The skin becomes thinner, drier and less able to bounce back. Sun exposure, smoking, stress and poor sleep all speed this up.

Common signs of volume loss

• Flatter cheeks
• Hollows under the eyes
• Deeper nose-to-mouth lines
• Thinner lips
• A less defined jawline and chin
• A tired look even when you feel rested

How treatments can help

Because ageing happens in layers, the most natural results often come from treating the right layer for each concern.

Dermal filler can replace some lost volume and support in areas like the cheeks, chin and lips. Small amounts placed carefully can lift and refresh without looking overdone.

Skin boosters such as Profhilo and polynucleotides work on skin quality. They aim to improve hydration, texture and firmness rather than add shape.

Anti-wrinkle treatment relaxes certain muscles to soften expression lines. This is a prescription-only medicine, so suitability is always decided at a face-to-face consultation with a prescriber.

Looking after the basics

Treatments work best alongside good habits. Daily SPF is the single most helpful step for protecting your skin. Not smoking, sleeping well and staying hydrated all help too.

A plan that suits you

Every face ages differently. Two people of the same age can have very different concerns. That is why I always start by looking at your whole face rather than one line or one area.

If you would like to understand the changes you are noticing, I would be happy to take a look. Book a free consultation with Lucy in Addlestone and we can talk through what might help you.