Changes in Facial Fat Pads As We Age

Date: October 3, 2017

A youthful face has round contours, high cheekbones and a well-defined jawline. As we age the layers of the face start to change and we begin to lose this lose this youthful appearance. The production of collagen, elastin and hyaluronic acid we once produced starts to diminish and the skin becomes dry. Facial volume deceases as the fat pads in the face shrink and redistribute, causing hollowing around the forehead, eyes, brows and temples. As fat pads descend, fullness is lost around the cheeks and lower eyelids, resulting in hollowing under the eyes that can cause dark shadows making us look older and tired. Bone loss under the eye and cheek area changes the projection of the mid-face and the malar fat pad starts to descend causing concavity of the surface contour. The nasolabial fold begins to deepen, and as the deep facial tissues descend the jowls become more prominent and the jawline begins to sag.

Changes in Facial Fat Pads As We Age

A youthful look depends on having the right amount of facial fat in the right places. Redistribution, accumulation, and atrophy of fat lead to facial volume loss

• Some areas lose fat. Examples are the forehead and cheeks.
• Other areas gain fat. Examples are the mouth and jaw
• Modification of the fat pads leads to contour deficiencies

In addition, the areas of the fat tend to become farther apart. Instead of a smooth, almost continuous layer, the fat pads appear as separate structures.

Non surgical volume restoration can help shape and contour the face for a more youthful appearance. By restoring lost volume we are able to reduce concavities and lift the facial tissue composing your jowls.

Restoring volume in the cheek area also has a positive impact on the appearance of other areas of the face.
1. Restores cheek volume and enhances cheekbones
2. Improves the appearance of tear trough (under eye hollowing)
3. Softens nasolabial fold
4. Improves the angle of the jawline