Beyond Wrinkles: How Volume Loss Ages You

Wrinkles are usually one of the first signs of aging we notice. Why? Because they’re pretty obvious and they begin to occur fairly early. One morning, you look in the mirror and notice creases above your eyebrows or at the corners of your eyes.

It’s nice to think that wrinkles are the main sign of aging. It’s easy enough to relax them with a quick hit of Botox or dermal fillers. But in reality, wrinkles are just one of several different signs of aging that will eventually affect your appearance. Volume loss is one of the key changes in the face that causes us to look older.

If you want to look younger, then it’s important to understand how your face ages. That way, you can better understand your treatment options and how they reverse or reduce signs of aging. Here’s what you need to know about volume loss—and what to do about it.

How Does Your Face Lose Volume?

As we age, our body’s ability to repair itself and to replenish components like collagen and hyaluronic acid begins to slow down. The skin becomes thinner, reducing the amount of support, volume, and suppleness it provides.

Simultaneously, the fat in the face loses volume and begins to sink lower, shifting into different positions on the face. This can lead to sunken areas and hollows throughout the face (such as the eyes or cheeks), while creating areas of excess fat, particularly in the jowl area.

Facial volume loss doesn’t happen all at once. It’s a gradual process that occurs over a period of years. Remember that “baby face” look? That starts to fade early—sometimes when a person is in their twenties. The rate of volume loss is partially dictated by genetics and partially by lifestyle.

Effects of Volume Loss

Volume loss makes you look older—a lot older. If you start to lose facial volume early, you’ll look older than you really are. Here are some of the most common signs that you’ve experienced volume loss.

Static Wrinkles and Folds

There are two main types of wrinkles: dynamic and static. Dynamic wrinkles are caused by repetitive facial movements over time and can be treated with neuromodulators like Botox. Static wrinkles, on the other hand, occur because of volume loss.

As the skin and face begin to lose volume, the skin begins to settle into deep folds and wrinkles. Some of the most common static wrinkles and folds include the nasolabial folds extending from the bottom of the nose to the top of the lips, and marionette lines, extending from the corners of the lower lips down to the chin.

Hollows

As facial fat begins to disappear, the face can develop distinct hollows. Many people notice sunken cheeks or hollows around their eyes. Over time, the face can begin to look gaunt and even skeletal. Our metabolisms slow down with age, but the face is prone to losing fat as we get older and older.

Sagging Skin

Skin elasticity allows our skin to expand and contract as needed. With age, a reduction in collagen, elastin, and hyaluronic acid (which provides volume and hydration within the facial tissues) occurs and reduces the skin’s ability to bounce back. As the face loses volume, the skin cannot contract and begins to hang and sag.

Changes in Expression

Unfortunately, volume loss can even have an effect on the mood you project to the world. Once you start to lose facial volume, you might look tired, sad, or angry, due to the effects of volume loss on your resting facial expression. Regardless of how happy or well-rested you feel, your face might give people a different impression.

Solutions for Volume Loss

If you’re noticing signs of volume loss, don’t panic. You have options for restoring volume and creating a fuller, more youthful appearance.

One of the most popular solutions for volume loss is the use of injectable fillers. Dermal fillers don’t last forever, but they’re non-surgical, effective, and provide instant results with no downtime. Some formulas are made specifically to address volume loss and can last from four months to two years, depending on the product.

Other patients might be better off considering a surgical solution. Procedures like a traditional facelift or facial fat transfer can be effective for severe volume loss.

Maintaining That Youthful Glow

Along with the help of an aesthetician or plastic surgeon, your lifestyle will make a big difference in maintaining that youthful glow. Ensure that you’re protecting your skin from the sun, using the right skincare products, and eating a healthy diet. These precautions will help you to look as young as possible for as long as possible.

At Mirror Mirror Beauty Boutique in Houston, TX, we can help you find the right solutions for your anti-aging concerns. Our expert aestheticians will perform an evaluation and make their recommendations to ensure that you get the best outcome possible. To schedule a consultation at our state-of-the-art medspa, call (281) 810-9083 today!