Facial Volume Loss

Facial volume loss, caused by declining collagen, elastin, and fat, can begin in the mid-20s but is often not noticeable until the 30s or 40s. The process starts subtly as the body slows collagen production and loses subcutaneous fat. You may start to see the signs, like reduced skin firmness, sagging, or hollowed areas, in your 30s, with more significant changes appearing in your 40s and beyond.

• Slowing Collagen Production: After about age 25, the body begins to produce less collagen, which is crucial for skin elasticity and plumpness.
• Reduced Fat: The natural loss of subcutaneous fat also starts, affecting the fullness of the face. Fat pads also begin to shift downward, leading to loss of volume in the midface, deepening of nasolabial folds, jowling, and heaviness in the lower face.
• Visible Signs: By your 30s-40s, these changes can become visible as static wrinkles, hollowness under the eyes, and a less-defined jawline.

Volume is one of the key pillars of youthful facial structure. Restoring it helps:

• Lift and support the midface and cheeks
• Soften folds around the nose and mouth
• Reduce hollowing under the eyes and temples
• Re-contour the chin and jawline for balance
• Improve overall harmony of the face

A tailored approach often combines injectables, biostimulatory fillers, and energy-based devices:

• Hyaluronic Acid Fillers (Juvéderm®, Restylane®, RHA® Collection): Provide instant lift and hydration, lasting 6–18 months. Ideal for cheeks, midface, lips, nasolabial folds, marionette area, and under-eyes.
• Biostimulatory Fillers:
  • Calcium Hydroxyapatite (Radiesse®) – Immediate lift plus long-term collagen stimulation.
  • Poly-L-lactic Acid (Sculptra®) – Stimulates gradual collagen growth for 2+ years of improvement.
• Energy-Based Devices (e.g. Sofwave®): Use ultrasound to tighten tissue and stimulate collagen, complementing fillers for long-term lift and a more natural approach to slow down signs of aging.
• Laser Resurfacing (Fraxel®, CO₂): Improves skin texture, tone, and elasticity while supporting the overall rejuvenation plan.

• Most filler treatments take 30–45 minutes with minimal downtime.
• Energy-based treatments may require 30–60 minutes and have little to no downtime.
• Laser treatment downtime may vary depending on the type of laser employed and goals of treatment.

Combination treatment ensures natural, elegant results rather than an “overfilled” look. Not only do these injectable and energy-based device treatments address visible signs of aging, but they promote new collagen formation and slow down future signs of aging.

Dr. Hibler is a national trainer for aesthetics companies, teaching dermatologists, plastic surgeons, and aesthetic providers across the country best practices and safe injection techniques. His thoughtful approach supports your natural framework and he uses dermal fillers strategically placed to restore volume while employing lasers and energy-based devices to promote collagen formation, tighten tissue, and improve skin quality.

How long do results last?

HA fillers last up to 18 months, biostimulatory fillers 2+ years, and energy-based devices provide ongoing collagen stimulation.

Can fillers look natural?

Yes — in expert hands, results are subtle and refined.

Who is a candidate?

Anyone experiencing hollowing, sagging, or facial imbalance. Many treatments can be performed preventatively to proactively enhance collagen production and tighten skin to slow down visible signs of aging.