Volume Loss and Ageing

When understanding facial volume loss in relation to the natural ageing process, we are looking at a combination of loss of collagen, facial fat loss and skeletal ageing as the main contributors.

Elastin and collagen fibres are what gives the skin suppleness and strength and the number of fibres we can produce decreases as we age.

In addition to your skin, ageing exists at every layer of the facial structure:

Fat Pads:
Below the skin’s surface are pouches of fat that help to provide volume, contours and fullness of the face. When we are younger our facial fat is evenly distributed around the eyes, cheeks, forehead, mouth and temples. However, as we age this begins to shift downward and diminish, causing hollowness under the eyes, sunken cheeks or thinning lips.

Over time facial fat can gather in areas that were once taut such as the lower jaw.

Muscles:
Beneath our fat-pads are our facial muscles that are repeatedly used to eat, move and express emotion. A loss of facial fat combined with gravity and repetitive muscle activity can lead to deep wrinkles. Facial muscles get weaker over time hence the loss of muscle tone can contribute to a less defined profile.

Bones:
Our bones provide the foundation and support for our muscles, fat-pads and skin and as we age, our bones lose density and start to shrink. As a result, this changes the dimension, contour and unique structure of the face.