Volume Loss

Volume Loss

Facial volume loss combines with inelastic, aging skin that is unable to accommodate underlying structural changes, leading to the look of a “deflated balloon.” This leads to the development of deep lines, hollows, furrows, and thinning of the face. The loss and redistribution of fat in the temples results in the loss of natural convexity of the area. Loss of lateral and mid-face cheek fat leads to sagging and soft tissue loss in the mid face. Bone remodeling also plays a role. Decreased lateral brow support leads to sagging eyebrows, sunken maxilla (upper jaw) and deepening of nasolabial folds (“laugh lines”).

Therapy Options: fillers, own (“autologous”) fat transfer, facial implants.

Soft tissue injections with facial fillers may be used in many ways to address your individual concerns. In the past, nasolabial folds (facial “parentheses” at the sides of the mouth) were the most common injection site. Other areas of possible augmentation are listed below. Please note that some of the injection sites discussed below are “off-label” and not approved by the FDA.

  • Lateral eyebrows and temples to restore adequate brow support, “brow lift” and shaping. 
  • Lifting of the upper face lifts the lower face as well, diminishing the appearance of jowls.
  • Periorbital volumizing diminishes the appearance of infraorbital hollows and under-eye dark circles.  
  • Shape and structural irregularities of the nose can be addressed by non-surgical filler rhinoplasty.  
  • Periorbital wrinkles, “smile lines,” the furrows that develop around the eyes, may be softened by filler injection.  
  • Restoring cheek contour and lateral projection, volumetric reconstruction of the lateral cheek and cheekbones with filler material has a double benefit. First, it restores a more youthful cheek appearance; and second, replacing volume decreases sagging and soft tissue loss in the mid-face area. As a result, the prominence of nasolabial and the melolabial folds are reduced.
  • Nasolabial fold, facial “parentheses”— the lines that run from the nose to the corner of the mouth.
  • Melolabial folds, “parentheses” of the lower face — the lines that run from the corner of the lip to the chin.
  • Shape and structural irregularities of the chin can be addressed by non-surgical filler chin implant.  
  • Soft tissue fillers are used to fill in and augment thin lips, restoring border and lip volume.
  • “Marionette lines” — the sad, downward expression that appears at the corners of the mouth with advanced age.
  • Jaw line where definition has been lost.