Facial Fullness

Facial fullness describes the volume and plumpness in areas such as the cheeks, under-eye area, temples, and jawline. This volume is typically attributed to the layer of fat underneath the skin, which helps create smooth contours and youthful definition. Full, rounded cheeks and a well-defined jawline are often associated with a younger, more vibrant appearance.

As we age, several factors contribute to the loss of facial fullness:

• Collagen Loss: Collagen, the protein that gives skin structure and elasticity, begins to decline in our 20s and continues to decrease as we age. This can lead to sagging skin, as well as a loss of facial volume.
• Fat Redistribution: Fat that was once distributed evenly across the face starts to shift downward. This may lead to hollows in the cheeks and temples, as well as the formation of jowls.
• Bone Density Loss: As bone density naturally decreases with age, the structure of the face may change, contributing to a hollowed or sunken appearance.
• Sun Exposure: UV rays can accelerate the breakdown of collagen and elastin, leading to premature facial volume loss and skin aging.

While losing facial fullness is a natural part of aging, many people seek ways to preserve or restore this youthful volume.

Prevention: How to Maintain Facial Fullness

The key to preserving facial fullness lies in maintaining healthy skin, proper hydration, and overall good health. Here are some preventive measures you can adopt:

Protect Your Skin from the Sun

UV damage accelerates skin aging, including the loss of facial fullness. Regularly applying sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher will protect your skin from harmful UV rays that can break down collagen and elastin. Sun protection is essential not only for preventing wrinkles but also for preserving the structure and volume of your face.

Use Moisturizing and Anti-Aging Products

Proper skin hydration is crucial in maintaining facial fullness. As skin becomes drier with age, fine lines and hollow areas become more noticeable. Choose moisturizers that contain ingredients like hyaluronic acid, which helps attract and retain moisture, and peptides, which support collagen production. Anti-aging products like retinoids can also stimulate collagen production and improve skin texture. Click here for Kaiser Permanente dermatologist recommended skincare products.

Healthy Diet and Hydration

Maintaining a healthy, balanced diet plays a crucial role in skin health. Foods rich in antioxidants (like fruits, vegetables, and green tea) and healthy fats (such as omega-3 fatty acids found in fish and nuts) help nourish the skin from within. Staying well-hydrated is also essential for keeping skin plump and full. Aim to drink plenty of water each day to support healthy skin.

Avoid Smoking and Excessive Alcohol

Smoking damages collagen and reduces blood flow to the skin, accelerating facial volume loss. Similarly, excessive alcohol consumption can lead to dehydration and the breakdown of essential skin components. Quitting smoking and moderating alcohol intake can help preserve facial fullness and skin health.

Treatments for Restoring Facial Fullness

If you are noticing a loss of facial fullness and want to restore volume, there are a variety of cosmetic and medical treatments available that can help you achieve a rejuvenated look. Click to learn more about each service and find a Kaiser Permanente provider near you.

Dermal Fillers

One of the most effective ways to restore facial fullness is through dermal fillers. Fillers, such as those made from hyaluronic acid (e.g., Juvéderm, Restylane), can be injected into areas that have lost volume, such as the cheeks, temples, jawline, and under-eye area. Fillers work by physically adding volume to these regions, plumping the skin and creating a more youthful contour. Results typically last between 6 to 18 months, depending on the type of filler used.

Fat Grafting

Fat grafting, or fat transfer, is a procedure in which fat is harvested from another part of the body (typically the abdomen or thighs) and injected into areas of the face that need volume. This is a more permanent solution compared to dermal fillers, although it may require more than one session to achieve the desired result. Fat grafting can restore facial fullness with natural-looking results and a minimal risk of allergic reactions since the fat used is from your own body.

Sculptra

Sculptra is a poly-L-lactic acid-based filler that helps stimulate collagen production over time. It’s an excellent option for people who want a gradual, natural-looking improvement in facial volume. Unlike traditional fillers that provide immediate results, Sculptra works by gradually building collagen, which in turn restores lost volume. It typically requires multiple sessions for optimal results, but the effects can last up to two years.

Thread Lifts

Thread lifts are a minimally invasive procedure where dissolvable threads are inserted into the skin to lift and tighten areas that have lost volume. While thread lifts primarily target sagging skin, they can also help restore fullness in the cheeks, jawline, and neck. The threads stimulate collagen production, providing long-term improvement in facial volume and skin texture.

Microneedling

Microneedling is a procedure that involves using fine needles to create tiny punctures in the skin, stimulating collagen production.

Botox for Facial Contouring

Botox is typically used to smooth wrinkles, but it can also help maintain facial fullness indirectly by relaxing muscles that contribute to sagging. Botox injections in specific areas of the face, such as the jawline, can help lift and define the contours of the face, giving a more youthful appearance.

Click here to find Kaiser Permanente cosmetic providers near you.