What can be done to help a thinning face?

Hi Gentlemen, As we age, we begin to lose volume to the mid-face area. This is a result of skin laxity, loss of collagen, and things begin to move south! We often hear our patients complain, "My face is falling!" This may present as a hollowed-out look under the eye area associated with or without the infamous bags. Also, the cheek area begins to present with a more concave appearance as well. Besides surgical correction (face lifts, blepharoplasty, chin/cheek implants) a good alternative which is gaining more widespread popularity is re-shaping the face by adding volume through the use of fillers. Gone are the days of using fillers to just fill wrinkles and folds - the concept is to replace what was lost...volume. Technique and the correct product are a must. L. Haney, RN

Hi L. Haney. What is best for restoring volume to the mid-cheek and tear trough area? Restalyne? Juvederm? Sculptra? Fat Grafting?

Hi Paul, In our practice, we like the results of Perlane (from the makers of Restylane) for a deeper volumizing effect to the cheek area. For tear trough areas, we like the consistency and outcomes that Restylane offers. Although the other products may be of value, I'm not very familar with them. The right product for the right area is just as important as the technique of the injector. While doing your research, make certain that the product the practitioner is suggesting to you is used for that particular area. Ask for before/after photos of other patients. Lori Haney, RN

I agree, for mid-face volumizing, Perlane works great. For lateral cheeks, I like Radiesse. Often people don't realize what a difference lateral cheek volumization makes in the overall appearance of the aging face. For tear troughs I don't tend to use Perlane as I feel that the thinner skin in that area requires a more delicate product. I like Juvederm for the tear troughs; Restylane works well too. I think if you want the best correction, you probably are going to need more than one of the products, as they all have their niche. Good luck!

My face is thinning too. I think it is natural for anyone getting older..

Hi, I had this problem and Restalyne and Juvaderm were not doing the trick. My problem was I noticed my cheek area directly under the center of my eye was flattening and looked slightly droopy, at age 39. I had Sculptra done and it was great. The only problem was I did it 4 times, when I really only needed it maybe 3 times, so my cheeks started to look a little too apple-y. I think that is the result of not knowing when to stop, sort of like Priscilla Presley. Fortunately most of it was absorbed into my body with only a small amount becoming permanent, which actually looks very good now. I no longer have the flattening cheekbone and I am now 41. I also do not need to have it done again, and it has been almost 3 years now since I had it done.

Perlane or resty mid face resty for tear trough Juvy if you have thinner skin in this area,,, Fat has come a long way,, the down time is lower now they have shown it improves the skin because of the stem cells....For any one considering it I would find a PS who does fat grafting try the resty.. It lasts a long time mine lasted several years in the tear area....Then go for the fat when your comfortable with the doc ect...

I too have thinning skin. But it mostly is affecting my chin area under my lip. I have developed these awful wrinkles going in a vertical line. I am very embrassed to talk with people so I hold my hand across my chin. Stupid, Huh. I am 60ty but a nice looking 60ty. Thanks ahead for any suggestions.

I am a 47 year old man and for the last 10 years I have consistently been told by my friends that I look like I have lost weight. In most cases I had gained weight or stayed the same, and since I am fully clothed when they say this, I assume it is in my face. They are basically telling me I look horrible and it is pretty depressing. When I am 60 I will look like a POW of 5 years. My cheeks look hollow and under my eyes is getting worse. I look really gaunt. Does any of this stuff work? Does it look natural?

I'm a 33 year old man in fairly fit condition. Throughout my 20's I religiously lifting weights and took good care of myself. However, over the last few years I've been consumed with business and family... aka stress. Although my physical appearance hasn't changed too much, my face has gotten a lot thinner and I'm repeatedly told I look thin by family and friends. It's depressing, as the gentlemen said above.. it seems as though what people are really saying is that you look like crap. I wanted to share in this conversation as there is a very cheap way to gain volume in your face... CREATINE. I would recommend a pure powder form mixed with grape juice. For those of you unfamiliar with creatine, it's a body building supplement meant to give you short bursts of energy. It's also known to retain water weight, mainly in the facial area. You need to drink about 2 gallons of water per day when taking creatine. This isn't for everyone, however definitely worth giving a whirl if you're looking for quick results without taking injections to the face.