Loss of Facial Volume & Hollowing

Loss of facial volume and hollowing develop gradually as part of the aging process, creating changes in contour, structure, and overall balance. These changes can appear in the cheeks, under the eyes, temples, or around the mouth, and each area can respond differently depending on your anatomy.  At Zormeier Cosmetic Surgery & Longevity Center, we often care for patients who express these concerns. There are different ways to treat facial volume loss and hollowing, including treatments that add volume and treatments that stimulate it naturally. 

Why Do I Suddenly Look So Tired?  

Natural Aging and Fat Redistribution

Facial fat pads provide support and contour for the youthful face and are important in areas like the cheeks and undereyes. Aging causes these pads to thin as a result of hormone changes, environmental causes like sun damage and smoking, and changes in weight. Fat pads also shift downward because of gravity and changes in skin elasticity. The combination of thinning and movement changes how your face looks as you age and creates hollowing in areas like the cheeks, temples, and under the eyes.

Bone Resorption

The facial skeleton also changes with age as bone gradually diminishes, and this reduction affects the projection and width of key structural points such as the cheeks, jawline, and eye sockets. The midface can appear flatter because the bony foundation is not as prominent as it once was. Bone loss leads to less support for soft tissue, which increases the appearance of hollowness in areas like the temples and under the eyes.

Collagen and Elastin Decline

Your skin produces less collagen and elastin with age. This gradual decline starts as early as your 20s and increases with each decade, reducing firmness and elasticity in your skin. With less collagen supporting it, the skin starts to drape differently, wrinkles form, and volume changes become more noticeable.

Lifestyle and Environmental Factors

Lifestyle habits can speed up volume loss. Everything from stress and inconsistent sleep to poor hydration and nutrition can contribute to tired facial contours. UV exposure breaks down collagen at a faster rate, and chronic sun exposure can thin the skin so that hollow areas stand out more. Smoking and certain medical conditions may weaken tissue quality and increase the visibility of facial volume changes linked to aging.

Common Areas Affected by Volume Loss

• Under-Eye Hollows (Tear Troughs): Hollowing beneath the eyes develops when the fat that supports the lower lid becomes thinner or moves downward. The transition between the lower lid and cheek can look sharper, which creates shadows that make the under-eye area appear recessed.
• Temples: The temples often lose fat earlier than other areas, and the hollowing that forms can change the width and contour of the upper face.
• Mid-Face Flattening: The midface can appear flatter when fat pads shift and bone support decreases, each of which affects the natural curve from the lower lid to the cheek.

Scheduling a Consultation for Facial Hollowing

Scheduling a consultation for facial hollowing gives you a chance to talk through your concerns and understand what is contributing to the changes you see. We will look at your facial structure, skin quality, and the pattern of volume loss so we know which factors affect your appearance. We may take photos to assess symmetry, plan possible treatment options, and give you a good comparison photo to look at after your treatment. You can also discuss your goals and learn how volume restoration or collagen stimulation can help address hollowing in specific areas.

Treatment Options to Restore Facial Volume

Dermal Fillers

Dermal fillers add structure and lift by replacing the volume that has diminished. Products like JUVÉDERM®, Restylane®, Radiesse®, and Bellafill® provide immediate volume because they place material directly into areas that look flat or hollow. Radiesse, Bellafill, and Sculptra® also stimulate collagen production and provide gradual improvements in facial volume and skin texture.

Facial Fat Grafting

Fat transfer uses your own fat to restore volume in areas that have become thinner or more angular. During facial fat grafting, the fat is taken from another area of the body, like the abdomen or thighs. Then it is refined and placed in regions that need support. The transferred fat can add long-lasting fullness since the surviving fat becomes part of the treated area and behaves in the same way as local fat. The technique works well for cheeks, temples, and under-eye areas.

Volumizing Laser Treatments

Any laser that stimulates collagen production in the face can help reduce the appearance of facial hollowing by strengthening the skin and improving its structure. Options like Laser Genesis, LaseMD, and Pearl Fractional each encourage new collagen formation, which supports the skin in areas affected by thinning fat pads and bone loss. The improvements gradually appear as the skin becomes firmer and more resilient. These laser skin rejuvenation treatments do not replace lost fat, but can be a good option for those who prefer a non-injectable option or who also want to improve the texture of the skin.

How Long Do Fillers Last in the Cheeks or Under Eyes?

Fillers in the cheeks or under the eyes can last anywhere from several months to more than a year, depending on the product used, your metabolism, and the placement technique. Those with collagen-stimulating properties like Radiesse and Sculptra can last up to two years. Bellafill is the longest-lasting option, with results lasting up to five years in nasolabial folds. 

Is Fat Grafting Permanent?

Fat grafting can offer results that last longer than injectable fillers because part of the transferred fat survives in its new location. The grafted fat that establishes a stable blood supply remains in place and gives the area ongoing volume. However, this fat is still subject to natural aging, just like the original fat in the face. 

Take Your Next Step With a Consultation in Noblesville, IN

Restoring facial volume can help you address hollowing, flattening, and structural changes that develop with age, and at Zormeier Cosmetic Surgery & Longevity Center, we offer options that support both immediate improvement and gradual collagen stimulation. We will guide you through the treatments that we think fit your situation and help you understand what each treatment can offer. We serve Noblesville, IN, as well as Shelbyville, IN, Danville, IL, Healdsburg, CA, and Ukiah, CA. You can schedule a consultation by calling (317) 699-8848 or using our online form.