Volume loss & contouring
CONCERNS
As we age, it's natural to lose volume in the face - cheeks flatten, contours soften, and the face can start to look tired or hollow. Restoring or supporting facial volume is one of the most common things we're asked about, and it starts with understanding how your face is changing.
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What causes facial volume loss?
Facial volume loss usually develops from a combination of factors:
Collagen and bone loss:
Natural loss of structure and support beneath the skin.
Shifting fat pads:
Facial fat gradually moves downward, changing overall shape.
Hormonal changes:
Declining oestrogen accelerates facial bone and fat loss.
Sun exposure:
UV damage breaks down collagen and skin structure.
Lifestyle factors:
Smoking, poor sleep and weight change all contribute.
Genetics:
Family history influences how early volume changes appear.
Areas Treated
cheeks
Loss of volume and definition through the cheeks.
The cheeks are supported by deep fat pads and underlying bone, which give the midface its shape and fullness. With age, these fat pads gradually shrink and shift downward while the bone beneath slowly loses density, which is why the cheeks can appear flatter or less lifted over time.
marionette lines
The vertical lines running from the corners of the mouth towards the chin.
Marionette lines develop as the fat pads of the lower face shift and the skin loses elasticity, creating a fold from the corners of the mouth downward. They can give the lower face a heavier or downturned appearance, even when resting.
chin & jawline
Concerns about chin shape, projection, or a softening jawline.
The chin and jawline together define the lower face and profile. Their shape is largely determined by bone structure, which changes gradually with age — and as surrounding volume reduces, the jawline can soften and a crease can develop between the lower lip and chin.
lips
Concerns about lip shape, definition or volume.
Lip shape and fullness vary naturally from person to person, and change over time. With age, the lips can gradually lose volume and definition, and the border of the lip can soften - often alongside the fine vertical lines that form around the mouth.
nasolabial folds
The lines running from the sides of the nose to the corners of the mouth.
Nasolabial folds are a natural part of facial anatomy, everyone has them to some degree. They can deepen with age as cheek volume reduces and the midface softens, making the fold more prominent.
tear troughs
Hollowing beneath the eyes that can create shadowing.
The tear trough is the groove that runs from the inner corner of the eye down towards the cheek. As midface volume reduces and skin thins with age, this area can hollow and cast a shadow, one of the reasons the under-eye area is often assessed alongside the cheeks.
What to expect at your consultation
Under Australian advertising guidelines (TGA), we're unable to discuss specific cosmetic treatments on our website. To find what's right for you, we recommend booking a consultation with one of our registered nurses. During your consultation we'll take a full medical history, assess your skin, discuss suitable options and costs, and create a personalised treatment plan tailored to you.
Other treatments we offer
At W.D.I Clinic, a selection of professional treatments may be considered as part of a comprehensive approach to supporting facial volume and contour. Suitability is always determined during a required consultation.
Frequently asked questions
What causes the face to lose volume as we age?
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It's a combination of losing collagen, fat and even bone density over time, along with reduced skin elasticity, which is why the face can look flatter or more hollow.
Which areas of the face can be treated?
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Volume loss can affect several areas - the cheeks, lips, chin, tear troughs, and the folds around the nose and mouth. Your nurse will assess your face as a whole and discuss which areas may benefit.
Will treatment look natural?
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Our approach aims to enhance your natural features rather than change them. Your nurse will talk through what may suit you at your consultation.
How soon will I see results?
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This varies between treatments. Some show a visible change straight away, while others build gradually over several weeks. Where there is an immediate change, it's normal for the area to settle over the following one to two weeks as any swelling resolves, so the final result is best judged at that point. Your nurse will explain exactly what to expect for your plan at your consultation.
How long do results last?
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This varies depending on the treatment and the individual, and is discussed at your consultation.
How long should I allow for my appointment?
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Please allow around 45–60 minutes for your initial consultation.
Does W.D.I Clinic offer this near me?
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We're based in Dubbo and travel to Gunnedah, Mudgee, Walgett, Cobar and Forbes on a regular schedule. Check our Locations page for the next clinic day near you.
What causes facial volume loss?
Facial volume loss usually develops from a combination of factors:
-
Collagen and bone loss: Natural loss of structure and support beneath the skin.
-
Shifting fat pads: Facial fat gradually moves downward, changing overall shape.
-
Hormonal changes: Declining oestrogen accelerates facial bone and fat loss.
-
Sun exposure: UV damage weakens the skin's underlying support structure.
-
Lifestyle factors: Smoking, poor sleep and weight change all contribute.
-
Genetics: Family history influences how early volume changes appear.