Dermal fillers and beyond: What is Renuva? Renuva before and after photo above. 

The Skinny on Face Fat: Age and Weight Loss

The human face is a remarkable landscape, constantly evolving and reflecting the passage of time. One of the most noticeable changes we experience with age and weight loss is the distribution of facial fat. Dermal fillers can help. Additionally, it is no wonder that in this year, 2025, one of the go-to catch phrases in the aesthetic industry is “fat is the future.” This article delves into how face fat changes with age and weight loss, and what it means for our overall appearance. It also explains how we can do some things to help.

The Journey of Facial Fat and Aging

Youthful Glow

In our younger years, particularly during our teens and 20s, our faces are often rounder and fuller. This is due to a healthy layer of subcutaneous fat that gives the skin a plump, smooth appearance. High levels of collagen and elastin in the skin also contribute to a youthful glow.

During this period, our metabolic rate is generally higher, helping to maintain a balanced fat distribution. Hormones such as growth hormone and estrogen (in women) play a significant role in maintaining skin elasticity and fat balance. However, lifestyle factors such as diet, physical activity, and skincare routines can also influence how our facial fat is distributed and how youthful our skin appears.

The 30s and 40s

As we enter our 30s and 40s, the aging process begins to subtly alter the contours of our faces. The production of collagen and elastin slows down, leading to a gradual decrease in skin elasticity. Facial fat may start to redistribute, with some areas losing volume and others accumulating more fat. For instance, the cheeks may begin to appear less full, while fat may start to gather under the chin or around the jawline. Think—skinnier cheeks and pre-jowls. Oh no!

Hormonal changes during this stage, such as a decrease in growth hormone and fluctuations in estrogen and testosterone levels, contribute to these changes. Additionally, environmental factors like sun exposure, smoking, and pollution can accelerate the breakdown of collagen and elastin, further impacting facial fat distribution and skin texture.

Middle Age

In our 50s and 60s, the changes become more pronounced. The loss of subcutaneous fat continues, leading to a decrease in facial volume. This can result in a hollowed appearance around the eyes and cheeks. Additionally, the skin may become looser and more prone to sagging due to the combined effects of fat loss and reduced collagen production. This sagging can be exaggerated with weight loss. Some individuals may also experience an increase in deeper fat deposits, such as jowls.

During this period, the body’s ability to regenerate skin cells slows down, and the existing cells lose their capacity to retain moisture. This contributes to the formation of fine lines, wrinkles, and a loss of skin tone. Genetic factors also play a crucial role in how we age, influencing the rate and extent of these changes.

Senior Years

As we move into our 70s and beyond, facial fat continues to diminish, particularly in the upper face. This can lead to more pronounced wrinkles, folds, and sagging skin. The bones and muscles that support the facial structure also shrink and weaken with age, further contributing to a more gaunt appearance.

In addition to the loss of fat and muscle, the skin’s natural hydration levels decrease, leading to dryness and thinning. The sebaceous glands produce less oil, which can result in a lack of natural lubrication. These combined factors emphasize the importance of maintaining a nourishing skincare routine and staying hydrated.

The Impact of Weight Loss on Facial Fat

Initial Weight Loss

When embarking on a weight loss journey, one of the first areas to show noticeable changes is the face. During the initial stages, water weight is often lost, leading to a temporary reduction in facial puffiness. However, this is not yet a sign of true fat loss.

This phase can result in a more defined jawline and less bloating, giving the appearance of weight loss. It’s important to note that hydration levels, salt intake, and carbohydrate consumption can also affect facial puffiness.

Sustained Weight Loss

As weight loss continues and the body begins to tap into fat stores for energy, the face undergoes more significant changes. Subcutaneous fat in the cheeks, chin, and jawline starts to diminish, resulting in a slimmer and more defined appearance. The extent of these changes can vary depending on individual genetics and the amount of weight lost.

Consistency in diet and exercise is key to achieving and maintaining these changes. A balanced diet rich in nutrients supports skin health and overall well-being, while regular physical activity helps to tone facial muscles and improve circulation, enhancing the skin’s appearance.

Extreme Weight Loss

In cases of extreme or rapid weight loss, the effects on the face can be more dramatic. The loss of facial fat can lead to a sunken or hollowed appearance, particularly around the eyes and cheeks. Additionally, the skin may struggle to adjust to the new contours, leading to sagging or excess skin. certainly, our industry has seen that status post massive weight loss, skin can be very unhealthy. After large amounts of weight loss—which improves health—skin can be very “stretched out,” damaged, & have poor integrity. A simple way to think about it is that if skin is stretched out for a very very long time, it loses its ability to snap back. It is important to approach weight loss gradually and maintain a balanced diet to support overall skin health.

Rapid weight loss can also result in a decrease in muscle mass, including facial muscles. This can contribute to a lack of definition and firmness in the face. Ensuring adequate protein intake and incorporating strength training exercises can help preserve muscle mass during weight loss.

Embracing Change

While the changes in facial fat distribution can be a natural part of aging and weight loss, there are ways to embrace and manage these transformations. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle, including a balanced diet, regular exercise, and proper skincare, can help preserve skin elasticity and overall facial appearance. Additionally, non-invasive cosmetic treatments and procedures are available to address specific concerns and enhance facial contours.

Tips for Managing Facial Fat Changes

1. Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water to keep your skin hydrated and maintain its elasticity.
2. Balanced Diet: Consume a diet rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants to support skin health and overall well-being.
3. Regular Exercise: Engage in regular physical activity to improve circulation, tone facial muscles, and promote a healthy weight.
4. Skincare Routine: Establish a consistent skincare routine that includes cleansing, moisturizing, and sun protection to maintain skin health.
5. Professional Treatments at Thaxton Plastic Surgery: Consider non-invasive cosmetic treatments, such as Juvederm dermal fillers or skin-tightening procedures like Morpheus8, or smoothers like Botox to address specific concerns and enhance facial contours. Specifically in the “fat game,” one of our go-to treatments to restore facial fat is Renuva. What is Renuva? Renuva is a natural product. We think of it as a bio-stimulator. Simply put, Renuva is like a fertilizer that we can inject into your face to encourage your own fat to re-grow. Whether your fat loss is from aging or weight loss, Renuva can improve your look, wherever it is injected.
   1. Your own fat does remarkable things to promote your healthiest appearance. Fat contains important bioactive substances like tiny proteins and hormones. These substances serve as signals to your cells. They can signal growth and healing and streamline metabolic processes and help with inflammation. One injection treatment that helps restore your own fat is called “Renuva.” We have seen for ourselves that when we injection Renuva, over time, as your fat grows where the Renuva is injected, the skin and tissues appear more youthful. This results not only from the increased fat, in other words, from the increased volume itself, aka, the plumping, but also from the effects of these “micro-signals” contained in the fat. A nice thing about Renuva is that it is your body’s own fat that gets restored. It is literally “you,” only better. It is fat where you had it before. The result is a very natural look. We love anything that helps you look and feel your best and freshest!
6. Positive Attitude: One last piece of advice: Embrace the natural changes that come with aging and weight loss, and focus on the unique beauty that each stage of life brings!

Ultimately, the evolution of our faces tells the story of our lives. By understanding and embracing these changes, we can celebrate the unique beauty that comes with each stage of life. If you would like to come & see us, please do! Schedule a consultation with us. We would love to meet you. Let’s talk about your face!