Getting rid of that extra weight is the number one goal for so many people.

And while shedding those unwanted pounds is inevitably good for your health, it might not be optimal for your facial aesthetics.

Ever wondered if and how sometimes losing fat makes us look worse?

Here are a few factors to consider…

Sudden Fat Loss In The Face – Loss Of Volume And A Thinning Face

Eliminating the extra pounds is great, but have you considered losing fat and losing volume go hand in hand?

Your face consists of bone tissue, muscles and fat pads. And when you hop on one of those fancy weight-loss diets, the sudden drop in weight means that you lose fat as well.

Subsequently, when your face loses fat it also loses volume. In return, this can make your face look gaunt, which might give you an unhealthy look.

Fat Loss May Lead To A Loss Of Facial Structure

Having an attractive face is all about the right facial structure.

A well-defined jawline and cheeks are undoubtedly appealing. However, sometimes when you lose fat it means that your facial structure suffers.

On one hand, wrinkles may become more prominent due to the lack of fat tissue to add volume. But also, the definition of your cheeks can also be diminished.

Does Face Shape Change With Age?

Yes, according to a 2013 issue of the journal Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery (1).

They reviewed several observational studies that focused on the morphological changes over time of different parts of the face e.g. the mandible and midface.

Eventually, the researchers have found that the shape of the face continues to change throughout life. This morphological shift of the facial skeleton manifests through several factors:

• Increase in mandibular shape and size
• Sexual dimorphism in the lower parts of the face

Also, these morphological changes in shape are related to the following things that the human face is made of:

• Soft tissue
• Fat pads (or compartments)
• Skeletal framework
• Skin envelope

Eventually, all of those things play a role in facial aging, although in variable degrees.

Does Science Agree That Fat Loss Contributes To Facial Aging?

Absolutely!

In a 2006 study courtesy of the Aesthetic Surgery Journal, researchers claim that fat redistribution and loss are among the main contributors to facial aging (2).

Apparently, a loss of facial fullness is one of the main visuals clues to figure out a person’s age. And the facial fat redistribution that results from this loss in fullness is another factor that may give out one’s age.

In essence, researchers point out at two aspects that constitute the primary event of aging:

• Loss of facial volume
• Descent of soft tissues

And guess what?

Fat loss can aggravate both of them! That’s why there are more effective ways to improve facial aesthetics to achieve a more youthful appearance.

What’s A Good Cosmetic Procedure For Improving Facial Structure?

A popular and effective surgical procedure for improving facial aesthetics is Fat Transfer.

In essence, this procedure revolves around taking fat cells from your own body and then placing them on the desired area of your face. Of course, before the fat is transferred to your face it’s first prepared so that it stays viable.

Generally, the fat cells are taken from the thighs area but your certified surgeon might suggest a different area, depending on your particular case.

As for the primary concerns that are taken care of using fat transfer, these include:

• Making lines smoother
• Wrinkles
• Hollow eyes
• Improving the support structure of the skin

Basically, if you’re dealing with loose, sagging skin, a loss of fullness and the downward descent of facial features, Fat Transfer can be your solution.

Another great thing about this procedure is the downtime. Most patients can comfortably return to work after just 5 to 7 days.

What About Injectable Fillers – Can They Make Your Face Look Better?

You bet!

Dermal fillers are highly effective at improving facial aesthetics and the associated statistics speak for themselves.

Injectable dermal fillers based on Hyaluronic Acid were the second most popular nonsurgical procedure in the US in 2018 (3). Or in other words, close to 800,000 people went for this procedure last year.

Now, there’s a wide variety of Hylauronic Acid-based or other FDA-approved synthetic fillers to choose from. And some of the most popular options are:

• JUVEDERM® – This is an injectable gel that provides long-lasting results in terms of making your jawline and chin look firmer.
• JUVEDERM® VOLUMA XC – A variation of the Juvederm filler that focuses on lifting and adding volume to the mid-face area. Results might last up to two years.
• RESTYLANE® – This is a dermal filler designed to restore skin fullness and volume. It’s effective at dealing with wrinkles, lines and folds. One treatment can last up to 6 months.
• RADIESSE® – Radiasse is an FDA-approved method for treating facial wrinkles and lines. Results can last up to a full year.

All of these fillers can help you in the battle against the clock. Especially when it comes to a loss of volume in the face, cheeks and lips.

Fat Loss Is Great But Don’t Let It Ruin Your Facial Structure!

There’s no doubt that getting in shape comes with a plethora of benefits. However, sudden fat loss might ruin your facial aesthetics, potentially giving you a gaunt look!

Thankfully though, there’s a solution. You can now improve the appearance of your face regardless of your fat loss endeavors through our facial procedures (e.g. fat transfer) and our non-surgical treatments (e.g. dermal fillers).

Now don’t waste time and us a call at (949) 313-2600 and our friendly team will be more than willing to help!