Facial Volume Loss After Weight Loss: The Best Treatments for a Youthful Look

Losing weight is a wonderful achievement - your clothes are more flattering, your energy levels are up, and your confidence gets a significant boost. While these are great aspects of weight loss, you may also have noticed that there are a few downsides to losing so much weight, such as facial volume loss. Your cheeks have lost their healthy fullness, and your skin seems a bit looser around your face, adding a few years to your appearance. Thankfully, facial volume loss is incredibly common for those who have lost a significant amount of weight, and there are plenty of treatments out there that can help to restore volume and smooth out hollows.

We're here to explain why this happens and what you can do about it!

Why Does Weight Loss Cause Facial Volume Loss?

When we gain weight, our face naturally stores fat in areas like the cheeks, temples, and under the eyes. This gives the face a plump, youthful appearance. But when we lose weight, especially a significant amount, that fat diminishes. Combine that with a natural decline in collagen and elastin (which happens as we age), and all of a sudden, you notice that your once-youthful complexion looks tired because of:

• Sunken cheeks
• Hollows under the eyes
• More visible fine lines and wrinkles
• Looser skin along the jawline (hello, jowls!)
• A tired or gaunt appearance

Fortunately, there are a ton of modern treatments that are used to restore lost volume and enhance your natural features without getting that "overdone" or unnatural look. Here are the best options.

Dermal Fillers: Instant Volume & Lift

Dermal filler treatments are convenient and have lasting results, but they aren't permanent solutions. They are perfect for people looking for a quick, natural-looking volume restoration in a pinch. Most fillers fall into three categories based on what they are primarily made of, each with unique benefits for your skin.

• Hyaluronic acid (HA) fillers like Juvederm and Restylane are great for cheeks, under-eye hollows, and lips.
• Calcium hydroxylapatite (CaHA) fillers like Radiesse add structure and stimulate collagen.
• Poly-l-lactic acid fillers like Sculptra gradually rebuild volume by stimulating collagen production.

The Process:

• Quick in-office treatment (about 30-45 minutes).
• Instant results (with some fillers improving over time).
• Minimal downtime—some mild swelling or bruising may occur.
• Results last 6-24 months, depending on how much and what kind of filler you receive.

Fat Transfer: Your Own Natural Filler

A fat transfer or fat grafting may be the way to go if you prefer a more long-term, natural solution. Fat transfers use your own fat to restore volume, significantly reducing the risk of allergic reactions since no foreign substance is used. They provide long-lasting results (often several years or more) and create a soft, natural look and feel.

The process for fat transfers is relatively simple. First, fat is harvested via liposuction. The extracted fat cells are purified to ensure only the healthiest cells are used. Then, the remaining fat cells are injected into areas needing volume. During recovery, mild swelling and bruising may occur. Your full results appear over the course of a few months.

Skin Tightening Treatments: Preventing the Sag

Volume loss often comes with looser skin, but non-surgical skin tightening treatments can stimulate collagen and keep your skin firm. Some of the best options for skin tightening include ultherapy (ultrasound technology is used to lift and tighten the skin over time), Radiofrequency (RF) Microneedling (stimulates collagen to tighten skin and improve texture), and laser resurfacing (improves skin elasticity while addressing fine lines and wrinkles).

Treatments take between 30-90 minutes. You can expect minimal downtime after your appointment, though redness or mild swelling may last a few days). You will see your results continuously improve over several months as collagen rebuilds.

Collagen-Stimulating Injectables: Slow & Steady Rejuvenation

If you're looking for natural, gradual improvement, collagen-boosting injectables like Sculptra or Radiesse can help. Instead of instantly adding volume like other dermal fillers, these treatments stimulate your body's own collagen production, leading to long-term facial rejuvenation. The results of collagen-boosting treatments often last over two years.

A Balanced Skincare Routine: The Everyday Essential

While in-office treatments are always game-changers, you shouldn't underestimate the power of a good skincare routine at home! Keeping your skin hydrated and nourished can enhance and maintain your results.

When looking for the right skincare products, here are some good things to keep an eye out for to get the most out of your routine.

• Hyaluronic acid for deep hydration.
• Retinol to boost collagen production.
• Vitamin C for brightening and protecting against free radicals.
• SPF (always!) to prevent premature aging.

Which Treatment is Right for You?

We know that choosing which route to take can be overwhelming, but ultimately, your ideal end goals for your skin have a lot to do with which treatment or procedure would be the most beneficial for you.

• For immediate volume → Try dermal fillers.
• For a long-term, natural solution → Consider fat transfer.
• For tighter, firmer skin → Explore skin tightening treatments.
• For gradual, collagen-stimulating effects → Opt for Sculptra or Radiesse.

If you are still unsure of what path you want to take to reverse your facial volume loss, schedule a consultation with a trusted provider today. They can help you put together a comprehensive and unique treatment plan that works best for you.