Why does skin lose volume and how can this be reversed?

While fine lines and wrinkles might be the first sign of ageing that springs to mind, loss of facial volume can present just as big a challenge. But why does skin lose volume and how can this be reversed? Well, here at The Skin and Wellbeing Clinic, we are Preston’s leading aesthetic practitioners. From chemical peels, to dermaplaning and dermal fillers, we offer a range of high quality, effective, anti-ageing treatments. As a result, we have produced this guide to everything you should know about the loss of skin volume, and how to reverse this.

Why does the skin lose volume as we age?

From wrinkles and fine lines, to the loss of volume, skin tone and nutrition, changes to the facial skin are a natural part of the ageing process. The loss of volume, particularly on the face, is something that is caused by a range of factors including:

• Changes to the quality of facial fat pads – as we age, our body produces fewer hormones and this effects the quality of the facial fat pads. These are typically found high on the cheek bones in youth, but with fewer hormones to nourish these, volume can be lost. This results in sagging skin that adds volume to the lower half of the face instead.
• Changes to bone structure – in addition, the ageing process can impact bone density. This means that some of the facial bones, like the jaw bone and cheek bones, can recede and flatten. This changes the shape of the face and presents as a visible loss of volume.
• Environmental factors – environmental factors can also influence the loss of facial volume. Smoking, UV damage, stress and pollution can break down collagen in the facial skin which results in a loss of volume over time.

How can loss of skin volume be reversed?

Loss of volume is something that can be reversed with dermal fillers. These are injections of hyaluronic acid, which is a substance found throughout the body, particularly in the skin. The role of this hyaluronic acid within the skin is to provide nourishment and hydration to important skin cells like collagen and elastin. Both collagen and elastin are responsible for skin volume and facial structure.

Dermal fillers can be injected into the facial skin at a range of points, including the lips, nose, cheeks, chin and jaw. This adds volume quickly, to areas where volume has changed, and can help to ensure a more youthful appearance. Hyaluronic acid is an incredibly versatile solution. This can be injected as small, fine amounts in very small spaces, like under the eye, or in the tear trough, while also replacing larger quantities of volume in the cheeks or jaw. As a result, any loss of facial volume can be resolved with professionally administered dermal fillers.

Because hyaluronic acid is a naturally occurring substance, this will be used up by the body over time, and so you will need to have your dermal filler topped up around 2-3 times a year.

For more information or advice, get in touch with the team today, here at The Skin and Wellbeing Clinic.