Volume Loss Treatment
Understand why the face loses fullness over time, and how a careful plan can help restore balance to hollow temples, cheeks and under-eyes.
RQIA Registered | Doctor- and Nurse-Led | Complimentary Consultation
WHO IT AFFECTS
Adults, often from their 30s
COMMON CAUSES
Ageing, weight loss, genetics
TREATMENT OPTIONS
5 in-clinic options
FIRST STEP
Complimentary consultation
What is facial volume loss?
Facial volume loss is the gradual reduction of the soft fullness that gives the face its shape. Beneath the skin, the face is supported by fat pads, muscle and bone. Over time these fat pads shrink and move downwards, and the bones of the face slowly lose density, so areas that were once full can start to look flatter or hollow.
It is most often noticed in the temples, the cheeks and the area under the eyes, where hollowing can make you look tired even when you feel well. Lost support in the mid-face can also deepen the folds around the nose and mouth. Volume loss usually develops slowly from the thirties onwards, but it can appear sooner in people who are very active, naturally slim or who have lost weight quickly.
Hollowing is a normal part of ageing and not a medical problem in itself. It is different from skin laxity, where the skin itself loosens, although the two often occur together. At our Coleraine and Derry/Londonderry clinics, volume loss treatment always begins with an assessment of facial balance, because a subtle, structured approach looks far more natural than simply filling lines.
What causes volume loss?
Volume loss happens when the deeper structures that support the face change with time. Several factors influence how early and how noticeably it appears.
Shrinking fat pads
The fat pads in the cheeks, temples and around the eyes gradually reduce and descend with age, leaving flatter areas and shadows.
Bone changes
The facial bones slowly lose density and change shape over the years, so the skin and fat above them have less structure to rest on.
Weight loss
Losing weight, particularly quickly, reduces facial fat as well as body fat. This can include weight loss from diet, exercise or weight-loss medication.
Genetics and lifestyle
Your natural face shape affects when hollowing shows, while sun damage and smoking weaken the skin that sits over these areas.
Treatments for volume loss at A Aesthetics
Every plan starts with a medical assessment of your facial structure, because restoring balance, rather than adding volume everywhere, gives the most natural result. These are the options our team most often recommends.
Dermal filler
Hyaluronic acid filler, placed carefully in the temples, cheeks or other areas, can replace lost support and soften hollows and shadows. It is the most direct option for volume loss and suits people who want a natural, measured restoration of shape.
Polynucleotides
PhilArt polynucleotides improve the quality and thickness of thin skin, which can make mild under-eye hollowing and shadowing less noticeable. They can be a good option for people who are not suited to, or would prefer not to have, filler in this delicate area.
PDO thread lift
Where volume loss has led to tissues sitting lower, dissolvable threads can reposition and support them while stimulating collagen. This can suit people who want lift as well as, or instead of, added volume.
Cellular Matrix
Combines your own platelet-rich plasma with hyaluronic acid to hydrate and support the skin’s natural renewal. It may suit people with early hollowing and thinning skin who prefer a regenerative approach.
PRP
Platelet-rich plasma, prepared from a small sample of your own blood, is used to support skin quality, particularly under the eyes. It suits people looking for gradual, subtle improvement rather than added volume.
Everyday tips for managing volume loss
Keep your weight steady
Large or rapid swings in weight can accelerate facial hollowing. If you are losing weight, a gradual, well-supported approach is kinder to your face.
Protect your skin from UV
Daily SPF 30 or higher helps protect the collagen in the skin that sits over hollowing areas, so it stays thicker and better able to disguise shadows.
Eat well and stay active
A balanced diet with enough protein and calcium, plus regular weight-bearing exercise, supports healthy tissue and bone as you age.
Get an honest assessment
Hollowing is easy to misjudge in the mirror. An in-person consultation helps separate volume loss from laxity or tired skin, so any treatment is well targeted.
Volume loss FAQs
Why does my face look more hollow than it used to?
With age, the fat pads in the face shrink and move lower, and the facial bones gradually lose density. Weight loss, genetics and sun damage can make this more noticeable. The result is often hollowing in the temples, flatter cheeks and shadows under the eyes.
Can volume loss be prevented?
The natural changes in fat and bone cannot be stopped, but you can avoid speeding them up. Keeping your weight stable, using daily sun protection, not smoking and staying active all help your face age gradually.
Which treatment is best for me?
For most people with noticeable hollowing, carefully placed dermal filler is the most direct option. For the delicate under-eye area, polynucleotides or PRP may be more suitable. If lines or loose skin are part of the picture, see our guides to fine lines and wrinkles and skin laxity.
Will I look overfilled?
Our approach is to restore balance, not to change your features. We often use smaller amounts over more than one appointment and focus on supporting structure, which helps results look natural. We will always be honest if we think more product would not improve your appearance.
How long do results last and how many sessions will I need?
Filler results often last around 6 to 18 months, depending on the product, the area and your metabolism. Regenerative treatments such as polynucleotides, PRP and Cellular Matrix are usually given as a course of two to three sessions. We will explain what to expect for your plan.
Is it safe for my skin type?
These treatments can be used across skin types and tones, but every injectable treatment carries some risks, including bruising, swelling and, rarely, more serious complications. They are carried out by our medical team, who check your medical history carefully. Some people, including those who are pregnant or breastfeeding, are not suitable.
Can treatments be combined?
Yes. Volume loss often happens alongside changes in skin quality and firmness, so we may combine filler with skin boosters or collagen-stimulating treatments such as Secret RF. We plan the order and timing to give a balanced, natural result.
How do I book?
Start with a complimentary consultation at our Coleraine or Derry/Londonderry clinic, or call us on 028 7051 2101.
YOUR FIRST STEP
Begin with a complimentary consultation
Sit down with one of our medical team, talk through what you would like to change, and leave with an honest, personalised plan. No cost, no pressure, and no obligation to book.
Treatments are for adults aged 18 and over and are only offered after a face-to-face consultation.
DERRY/LONDONDERRY
50 Victoria Gate
Derry, BT47 2TP
07702 529535
COLERAINE
6–8 Dunmore Street
Coleraine, BT52 1EL
028 7051 2101
RQIA Registered | contact@aaesthetics.net
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