Facial Volume Loss Consultation

Restore Balance. Support Structure. Stay You.

At The Skin Doctor, we see facial volume loss as part of the natural ageing process — a gradual shift in bone, fat, muscle and skin that changes the way light falls on the face.

Our philosophy is not to “fill” the face or chase trends.
We aim to restore harmony, preserve your natural features, and support the deeper structures of the skin, so you look refreshed without looking different.

Every treatment begins with a detailed, doctor or dermal therapist led consultation, because no two faces age in the same way.

 

What Is a Facial Volume Loss Consultation?

A Facial Volume Loss Consultation is a comprehensive medical and aesthetic assessment of the deeper changes occurring in your face.

During your 40–60 minute consultation, your doctor may:

  • Take a detailed medical, medication and treatment history

  • Examine your face in natural and clinical lighting

  • Assess volume loss across multiple layers — bone, fat, muscle, dermis and epidermis

  • Review patterns of descent, hollowing, shadowing and support loss

  • Identify early vs established changes

  • Discuss your goals, preference for subtlety, and tolerance for downtime

  • Create a staged, personalised treatment plan

Clinical photographs may also be taken to track progression over time.

This is a holistic appointment, focusing not just on isolated areas but on overall facial balance and structure.

 

Why Does Facial Volume Loss Occur?

Facial ageing is multi-layered. Volume loss happens across three primary levels:

 

  1. Epidermis (Surface Layer)

The epidermis thins with age, hydration decreases, and fine lines appear more easily.

While this layer does not create volume, its thinning can make deeper hollowing more visible.

 

  1. Dermis (Structural Layer)

The dermis contains:

  • collagen

  • elastin

  • extracellular matrix

  • glycosaminoglycans (including hyaluronic acid)

With age, fibroblasts produce less collagen and elastin.
This leads to:

  • reduced firmness

  • diminished support

  • more visible folds and shadows

 

  1. Hypodermis (Fat Pads & Deep Soft Tissue)

This is where the most significant structural changes occur.

With age:

  • some fat pads shrink or descend (temples, cheeks, under-eyes)

  • others enlarge or migrate (jowls, marionette area, lower face)

  • overall volume becomes redistributed

This redistribution is a key driver of:

  • hollow temples

  • flattening of the cheeks

  • deeper nasolabial folds

  • pre-jowl hollowing

  • more prominent shadows under the eyes

 

The Deeper Foundation: Bone Changes

Bone is the structural scaffold of the face.
With age, bone subtly recedes along the:

  • eye sockets

  • midface

  • jawline

  • chin

This creates:

  • less support for facial tissues

  • increased appearance of sagging

  • softening or “slipping” of contours

Addressing volume loss thoughtfully means considering all of these layers — not simply adding volume to one area.

 

Common Areas of Facial Volume Loss

During your consultation, your doctor may assess:

Cheeks

Flattening, hollowing or descent of the midface.

Temples

Loss of width and depth causing a more skeletal or fatigued appearance.

Under-Eye / Tear Trough Area

Shadowing, hollowness and thinning of tissues.

Jawline & Pre-Jowls

Loss of definition from fat pad depletion and bone changes.

Chin

Reduced projection, asymmetry or dimpling with muscle activity.

Lips

Thinning, loss of definition and flattening of the vermilion border.

Lower Face

Changes in fat distribution contributing to heaviness or folds.

 

Approaches to Restoring Facial Volume at The Skin Doctor

Our approach is conservative, anatomically guided, and tailored.

Based on your consultation, your doctor may discuss:

Skin-Quality Restoration

Treatments that support dermal collagen and hydration, improving the foundation for volume.

Collagen-Stimulating Options

These may assist in improving structure and firmness gradually over time.

Advanced Laser or Resurfacing

To refine texture, support dermal thickness and soften etched lines.

Energy-Based Rejuvenation

For global support and subtle tightening.

Strategic Volumising Treatments

Doctor-delivered injectable treatments may be appropriate in some patients to gently restore structure, soften shadows and rebalance proportions.
This is done with a philosophy of minimalism, precision and natural contouring.

All injectable treatments are Schedule 4 medications and performed only after a full medical assessment.

You’ll never receive a “template face”.
Every plan is bespoke.

 

What to Expect During and After Treatment

During Treatment

  • Photos may be taken to monitor outcome

  • Topical anaesthetic may be applied depending on treatment type

  • Duration varies depending on the combination of treatments chosen

After Treatment

  • Temporary swelling, redness or sensitivity may occur

  • Bruising is possible with any injectable or needling procedure

  • Recovery time varies depending on modality and depth

  • You’ll receive personalised aftercare instructions

Your doctor will also give guidance on maintenance and long-term skin strategies.

 

Can Facial Volume Be Replaced Permanently?

No treatment permanently stops ageing.
However, a strategic combination of:

  • supportive skincare

  • structural treatments

  • collagen-stimulating therapies

  • lifestyle factors

  • sun protection

can significantly improve the appearance of volume loss and slow progression over time.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is suitable for a Facial Volume Loss Consultation?

Anyone noticing:

  • hollowing

  • flattening of the cheeks

  • tired or sunken appearance

  • loss of definition

  • changes after weight loss

A consultation helps determine safe, suitable options.

 

What are the risks of volume-related treatments?

Risks vary depending on the treatment and may include:

  • bruising or swelling

  • infection

  • redness

  • asymmetry

  • over- or under-correction

Your doctor will explain specific risks before any procedure.

 

Do I have to treat everything at once?

No.
Many patients start with a staged plan to ensure subtle, natural progression.

 

Your Facial Volume Loss Journey at The Skin Doctor

If you’re noticing a tired, hollow or less supported appearance, a Facial Volume Loss Consultation can help you understand what’s changing and what can be safely improved.

We focus on balance, longevity and natural refinement — not dramatic alteration.