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Reduced Facial Volume

As we age, our skin undergoes various changes that can result in a loss of volume, making the face appear hollow and sunken. Reduced facial volume is a common concern that affects both men and women, typically becoming noticeable in the late 30s to early 40s. This condition occurs due to the natural aging process, which involves the gradual loss of fat, collagen, and elastin in the skin.

What Is The Triangle Of Youth and The Inverted Triangle?

The ‘Triangle Of Youth’ refers to the well-defined facial contours associated with youth. As we age and lose facial volume, our facial contours change, causing shadow patterns to develop while youthful highlights fade. The triangle becomes ‘inverted’.

As we age, our facial bone is resorbed over the years, just like the rest of our bones, and soft tissues fall due to gravity and lack of support. As a result, our facial tissues sag and droop downwards. Another key contributor is the shift in fat distribution across the face. Fat pads shift as we lose fats in some places, and gain fats in other areas.

For instance, we lose fats under the eyes, while fat pads beneath the chin can increase in prominence, causing fullness between the neck and chin, causing what is known as a “double chin”. The effort of the lower face getting fuller can be described as the ‘Pyramid of Age’, or ‘Inverted Triangle’.

Causes of Reduced Facial Volume

  • Aging: The most significant factor contributing to reduced facial volume is the natural aging process. Over time, the body produces less collagen and elastin, essential proteins that maintain skin firmness and elasticity.
  • Weight Loss: Significant weight loss can lead to a reduction in facial fat, resulting in a hollow appearance.
  • Genetics: Some individuals are genetically predisposed to losing facial volume more quickly than others.
  • Sun Exposure: Prolonged exposure to UV rays accelerates the breakdown of collagen and elastin, contributing to volume loss.
  • Lifestyle Factors: Smoking, poor diet, and inadequate skincare can also impact the skin’s ability to maintain volume.

Symptoms Of Reduced Facial Volume

  • Hollow or sunken cheeks
  • Thinning of the skin
  • Prominent nasolabial folds (smile lines)
  • Sunken temples
  • Under-eye hollows or dark circles
  • Loss of facial contours

Dermal Fillers

Dermal fillers are injectable treatments designed to restore lost volume, smooth out wrinkles, and enhance facial contours. They are made from hyaluronic acid, a naturally occurring substance in the body, or other biocompatible materials.

Benefits of Dermal Fillers:

  • Immediate results
  • Minimal downtime
  • Customizable to address specific areas of concern
  • Long-lasting effects (typically 6-18 months

Dermal fillers are a popular non-surgical treatment used to restore lost facial volume, smooth out wrinkles, and enhance facial contours. At VIDASKIN, we utilize MD Codes, a revolutionary approach to facial rejuvenation with dermal fillers. MD Codes were developed by Dr. Mauricio de Maio, a renowned Brazilian plastic surgeon, and they provide a precise and strategic method for injecting dermal fillers to achieve natural, harmonious results.

Learn more about dermal fillers here.

Frequently Asked Questions

Reduced facial volume is primarily caused by the natural aging process, where the skin loses collagen, fat, and elasticity. Other factors such as sun exposure, weight loss, and lifestyle choices can also contribute to volume loss, leading to a hollowed or sunken appearance. Sun protection comes in the form of skin lotions and oral supplements for cellular antioxidant protection. Dermal Fillers can be used to restore facial volume and improved the hollowed or sunken appearance that arises due to fat or volume loss. We recommend seeking advice from a medical professional to identify a treatment plan suitable for you.

While aging is inevitable, you can slow down the process of facial volume loss by maintaining a healthy lifestyle, protecting your skin from the sun, staying hydrated, and using high-quality skincare products. Regular non-invasive treatments like dermal fillers and skin tightening procedures can also help maintain facial volume.

Dermal fillers are highly effective for restoring facial volume. They work by adding volume to areas such as the cheeks, temples, and under the eyes, providing a more youthful appearance. Results are immediate and can last from 6 months to 2 years, depending on the type of filler used.

Most non-surgical treatments for reduced facial volume, such as dermal fillers, have minimal downtime. Patients can usually return to their normal activities immediately after treatment, with any minor swelling or bruising subsiding within a few days.

The longevity of results depends on the treatment used. Dermal fillers can last from 9 months to 2 years. Non-surgical facelifts may offer results that last up to a year or more. Regular maintenance treatments can help sustain these results.

While certain skincare products can improve skin texture and hydration, they are generally not effective for significantly restoring facial volume. Professional treatments like dermal fillers are usually necessary to address volume loss effectively. Consult with a medical professional to identify a treatment plan that is suitable for you.

Intrinsic ageing is inevitable. However, studies have shown that lifestyle modifications can help to maintain healthy cell function, such as minimising alcohol intake and refraining from smoking. Keeping a nutrient-rich diet high in fruits and vegetables, having sufficient sleep of 7-8 hours per day, regular aerobic exercises, all help to neutralise free radicals and filter toxic waste molecules in our body associated with the onset of premature ageing.

Consult your doctor for research-backed lifestyle advice to slow down biological processes of ageing.

As a rule of thumb, every 20 units of SPF protection lasts for an hour. Hence, SPF 50 sunscreens would be ideal for 2 - 2.5 hours of direct sun exposure during outdoor activities. Reapply throughout the day when remaining under direct sunlight. Sun protection comes in the form of skin lotions and oral supplements for cellular antioxidant protection. Find out more about sun protective products here.