As we get older, due to the influence of a number of different factors, the skin on our face loses its volume and becomes loose. This loss of volume can make faces appear heavier, especially in areas under the eyes and cheeks. This in turn can lead to sagging skin which can alter the structure and shape of our entire face. So, what causes facial volume loss?
While facial volume loss forms part of the natural ageing process, there are a number of factors that can exacerbate the symptoms. These factors include:
- Hormonal Changes
- UV Exposure
- Smoking
- Extreme Dieting
- Medication
Keep reading to find out more about some of the key causes of facial volume loss, and what can be done to treat it.
What Are the Symptoms of Facial Volume Loss?
It will come as no surprise that as we get older, our skin begins to wrinkle. Over time, we lose volume in key areas of the face such as under the eyes and cheeks. Facial volume loss is a very common sign of ageing, and can be characterised by sagging skin especially in the jowl and neck areas that begin to look heavier. When we are young, our faces tend to be defined by full cheeks, high cheekbones, a sharp jawline, full lips and a defined chin. However, as we get older, these features begin to sag and a more aged appearance slowly forms.
Find out more about how our faces change as we get older in our detailed blog.
What Causes This Loss of Volume?
Our faces are complex structures of muscles, facial fat pads and bones that provide important structures, protects vessels and nerves and allows movement. As we get older, our body naturally produces less collagen and elastin, and there is reduced hyaluronic acid to keep our skin moist. These effects of ageing all contribute to drier, thinner skin that no longer retains the firmness it once had. But what else contributes to this effect?
Hormonal Changes
As we get older, our body experiences a number of hormonal changes. Oestrogen is responsible for fat distribution throughout the body, and regulates the epidermal cells, melanocytes and fibroblasts that produce collagen in the skin. As we get older, production of oestrogen slows, which results in a loss of facial fat pads, collagen and elastin, all of which provide vital supporting structure to the skin.
UV Exposure
While it may be tempting to try and achieve the perfect tan, exposure to the sun’s harmful UV radiation has a number of negative effects on the body. For example, chronic exposure to UV radiation can cause DNA mutations in skin cells, which can lead to skin cancers. Lengthened exposure to UV radiation also affects the way that collagen and elastin are produced and organised, which has a negative impact on skin laxity and volume.
Smoking
Smoking cigarettes has a number of serious health effects, especially on the lungs. What you may not know is the impact that smoking can have on the skin. Smoking can cause premature ageing of the skin by increasing the breakdown of elastin and collagen, and reducing vitamin C and A production. This then leads to a loss of volume, sagging skin and the development of wrinkles.
Extreme Dieting
Extreme dieting refers to the process of taking dietary advice regarding calorie intake to the absolute extreme. Often coupled with intense exercise schedules, extreme dieting can lead to rapid and significant changes in body shape, weight and appearance. While extreme dieting not only presents several life-threatening consequences, it can also lead to a loss of facial volume. Consistent and frequent high-impact exercise can lead to inflammation, hormone changes, free radical formation and injury.
Medication
When it comes to medication, the important thing to remember is that you should never stop taking medication simply because you are worried about losing volume in your skin. There are a number of medications that can affect skin volume, such as steroids. Steroids can thin the skin and make blood vessels more fragile. Furthermore, some anti-epileptics and blood pressure tablets can cause accelerated skin ageing due to photosensitivity. Consider using regular moisturisers and skin hydration to prevent this.
What Steps Can I Take to Prevent Volume Loss?
Enhance your results by booking a cosmetic treatment today! Plus, discover these simple preventative steps to help maintain your facial volume.
Hormone Replacement
If you are at an age where hormonal changes are having a significant impact on facial volume, it may be worth considering hormone replacement treatment. Whether or not this treatment is suitable for you will be dependent on your age, any medical conditions or any other risk factors, so it is vital that you consult a doctor beforehand.
UV Exposure Protection
Using high SPF sunscreen, wearing protective clothing, and generally avoiding the sun during its most dangerous hours can help to reduce your exposure to harmful UV radiation.
Quit Smoking
It may sound more simple than it is, but quitting smoking can have a major positive impact on your skin. Similarly, consider steps that you can take to reduce your exposure to second-hand smoke.
Healthy Lifestyle
Getting enough sleep, reducing stress, eating healthy and nutritious foods and taking care of your gut health can all have a positive impact on skin volume.
What Is the Best Treatment For Facial Volume Loss?
If you are experiencing a significant loss of facial volume, the most effective and common treatment that you can receive to remedy this loss of volume is to book in for dermal filler treatment. Book an appointment with Infinity Aesthetics today to receive expert treatment from Dr Owen Thomas, one of the UK’s top aesthetic clinicians.
Dr. Owen Thomas has been a medical doctor for more than 20 years since qualifying from Cardiff in 1999, now specialising in aesthetics in London and Swansea. After a 2 year level-7 Master’s Degree course in injectable aesthetic treatments training at Harley Academy, and additional study with Empire Medical Training in the US and other experts renowned in their field, he won a scholarship in the prestigious Aesthetic Intelligence Fellowship run over 7 months in Kensington, London and Paris.
