Does Fat Loss Accelerate Facial Ageing?

When we get older, the skin on our face starts to sag and lose its volume. Traditionally, this is thought to be down to the facial tissues eventually falling victim to gravity. However, recent studies have suggested that it could actually be down to fat loss.

Here, we’ll look at whether fat loss could be accelerating facial ageing and what options are available to treat the issue.

How might fat loss accelerate ageing on the face?

A new study, published within the Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery journal, has revealed that fat loss can contribute to facial ageing. A total of 19 patients were assessed, undergoing two CT scans of the head. The two scans were performed a decade apart, with patients being 47 and 57 years old when they were done.

It was discovered that there was significant fat loss in the face between the scans. However, the amount of fat loss varied between patients. This would explain why some patients age at a faster rate than others.

Understanding the link between fat loss and facial ageing can help cosmetic surgeons choose the best types of treatments to tackle the issue. When fat is lost, it can cause the features of the face to sink into the skin, as well as sag.

What treatments are available?

If you are experiencing signs of facial ageing, there are some treatments that can help you. A facelift is one of the most common procedures used to address the signs of facial ageing. This is an extensive procedure that will require a good level of downtime. However, it can help to make you look up to 10 years younger.

Fat grafting to the face

Fat grafting to the face is a good option to correct the loss of volume, and it can be performed alone or as a complementary treatment to a facelift. This treatment uses your body’s own fat, from a donor site, to fill out the face, leaving a more youthful, rejuvenated appearance.

There are also a number of non-surgical treatments available, but a fat graft to the face is often perceived as a safer and more natural procedure compared to dermal fillers, which are only temporary.

To find out which treatment would work better for you, book a consultation today with Mr Paul Tulley. He will discuss with you your options and help you identify which procedure would be right for you.