Volume loss is one of the three aspects of facial aging that make us look older and more tired than we might actually be. When combined with the other two aspects of facial aging (sagging skin and changes to our skin texture), we can eventually become frustrated with our appearance.
Volume loss is one of the characteristics of facial aging that you might notice last because it happens slowly, over time; however, the results can be the most noticeable once theyve happened. Volume loss, also known as fat loss, occurs naturally as we age.
The fat pads around our eyes and in our cheeks are especially plump when we are younger (this is why babies have such chubby cheeks) and they begin to thin when we are in our 20s. That helps us go from looking like teenagers and adolescents to adults. However, the thinning eventually reaches a point where we go from looking like regular adults to looking like mature adults.
As we loose volume in our faces, the eyes may begin to look a little more sunken. Our cheeks are no longer plump, which can make us look more tired and less vibrant. The loss of volume under the skin will also make the skin less elastic and firm- a problem that is exacerbated by the natural collagen and elastin deterioration that happens as we age. If you are a sunbather, the collagen and elastin breakdown will be even quicker, making you look even older.
The problem of volume loss is especially difficult for people who are already concerned about their appearance. If you are someone who goes to the gym and watches what you eat so that you will stay slim and keep a firm body, your face will also look thinner. You are trading a tight tush for an older face. This is why some overweight people look younger than thinner people- their skin is still plump and vibrant looking, filling in wrinkles and staying firm.
There are solutions to volume loss that can give you back a radiant and refreshed look. We will discuss those options next week! Call us at (703) 574-2588 with any questions, and follow us on Twitter and Facebook!