Facial fat pads naturally shift, shrink, or descend with age, and this is a major contribution to a facial volume loss, sagging, hollowing, and deep folds.
Why facial fat pads drop or move?
As we age, the ligaments that support facial fat pads weaken. Gravity gradually pulls the fat pads downward which results in mid face flattening, jowls, nasolabial folds, and under eye hollowness.
Fat pads not only shift, but they also shrink. Particularly in the midface area (cheeks, temples, under eyes), and it leads to a gaunt or sunken look.
Facial bones, especially around the eyes, jaw, and cheeks, diminish in size with age. This leads to less support for surrounding fat pads and skin.
Reduced collagen and elastin in the skin makes the skin looser, so fat pads have less structural support.
Sun damage from tanning, smoking, and pollution accelerate this process.
Some people start losing volume and get sagging skin early due to genetics.
Rapid weight loss (for example after a skinny jab), yo-yo dieting, smoking, and chronic inflammation can speed up changes.
Can you prevent or slow down the fat pad descent?
Protect your skin from the sun with daily application of a sun block. Sun rays break down collagen and elastin, and sunscreen is one of the most powerful anti aging tools.
Use skincare that stimulates collagen like retinol or Vit C. Peptides and growth factors can help firm skin over time.
Keep your weight stable and avoid major changes that affect facial fat.
What are the best professional treatments that help to tighten the skin and bring back the mid face volume?
Microneedling or even stronger RF microneedling tightens skin and helps to keep the skin structure.
Ultrasound lifting or radiofrequency skin tightening are also effective, especially if you don’t like needles as these treatments don’t use any.
Dermal filler in the medial cheek area will restore lost volume immediately and re-support fat pad areas.
Fat pad movement is a natural result of aging. While you can’t fully stop it, professional treatments help to improve the sagging skin and bring back the lost volume.
If you’re noticing changes in your face and would like to address them, we can help and guide you to choose the best and natural looking treatment for your circumstances.
