Ask Dr. Day: How Can I Restore Volume in My Face?

Aging is more than skin deep. The structural changes happening beneath the surface are what make the most noticeable difference in our appearance over time. Here’s what’s really going on...

Ask Dr. Day: How Can I Restore Volume in My Face?

You know your face. You see it every day. And yet, one morning, you notice something different, and it seems to have happened literally overnight. It’s the line I hear every day, from so many of my patients: “one day my face just fell apart.” It’s not just wrinkles or sagging—it’s something deeper.

This isn’t your imagination. Starting as early as your 20s, collagen production slows, facial fat begins to shift, and even bone structure subtly changes. Over time, this leads to a loss of volume that can make you look tired, even when you feel great.

But here’s the good news: volume loss isn’t something you have to accept—it’s something you can treat. By stimulating collagen production, supporting skin health, and strategically restoring lost volume, you can maintain a naturally youthful, lifted appearance for years to come.

Why Do We Lose Facial Volume?

Aging is more than skin deep. The structural changes happening beneath the surface are what make the most noticeable difference in our appearance over time. Here’s what’s really going on:

1. Collagen and Elastin Breakdown

Collagen and elastin are the framework that keeps skin firm and resilient. By our mid-20s, collagen production starts to decline by about 1% per year, and elastin—the protein responsible for skin’s ability to bounce back—begins to break down. By the time we reach our 40s and 50s, this loss becomes more pronounced, leading to thinner, less elastic skin that sags and creases more easily.

2. Fat Redistribution and Loss

Facial fat pads that were once full and youthful begin to shrink and descend. This leads to hollowing under the eyes, flattening of the cheeks, and jowling along the jawline. The loss of fat also changes the way light reflects on the face, making shadows more noticeable and contributing to a “tired” look.

3. Bone Resorption

As we age, even our facial bones change. The jaw, cheekbones, and eye sockets gradually shrink and reshape, reducing the structural support for the skin and fat above. This

contributes to deeper folds around the mouth, a less defined jawline, and changes in facial proportions.

4. Hormonal Changes and Menopause

Estrogen plays a crucial role in maintaining skin thickness, hydration, and elasticity. As estrogen levels drop during menopause, collagen production plummets by as much as 30% within the first five years. This rapid decline accelerates volume loss, leading to thinner skin, deeper wrinkles, and increased sagging—especially around the midface and jawline.

5. Environmental and Lifestyle Factors

Beyond biology, lifestyle factors can either speed up or slow down the aging process. Chronic sun exposure, pollution, stress, poor diet, smoking, and lack of sleep all accelerate collagen breakdown and impair the skin’s ability to repair itself. The result? Premature aging and volume loss at a faster rate.

While all of these changes are inevitable, they don’t have to be permanent. With the right skincare, treatments, and lifestyle shifts, you can maintain the structure, volume, and vitality of your skin for years to come.

How to Restore Volume and Boost Collagen Naturally

A truly effective approach to volume restoration isn’t just about replacing lost fat or tightening skin—it’s about supporting your body’s natural regenerative abilities. That means combining advanced skincare, in-office treatments, and targeted lifestyle changes.

1. Build a Collagen-Boosting Skincare Routine

The right skincare helps stimulate collagen, strengthen the skin barrier, and improve overall elasticity.

Retinol Level 3 – Retinol is a powerhouse for stimulating collagen production, thickening the dermis, and improving skin texture. My Retinol Level 3 delivers results while minimizing irritation, making it an essential part of any long-term skin rejuvenation plan.

Vitamin C Brightening Serum – Vitamin C is crucial for collagen synthesis and protects against environmental damage. My Vitamin C Brightening Serum enhances skin resilience while brightening and evening out the complexion.

Peptide Eye Cream – The under-eye area is one of the first places to show volume loss. My Peptide Eye Cream contains collagen-boosting peptides and hydrating ingredients to firm, smooth, and revitalize the delicate skin around the eyes.

Hydration and Barrier Support – Skin that lacks hydration loses volume faster. Ingredients like hyaluronic acid, ceramides, and niacinamide help keep skin plump and resilient.

 

2. In-Office Treatments to Restore Facial Volume

While skincare builds the foundation, in-office treatments provide targeted, long-lasting improvements.

Dermal Fillers – Hyaluronic acid fillers restore lost volume in areas like the cheeks, nasolabial folds, jawline, and temples, creating a naturally refreshed look. Proper placement is key—I focus on enhancing your unique beauty, never overfilling.

Silhouette InstaLift – This advanced thread lift uses dissolvable sutures with bi-directional cones to lift sagging tissue while stimulating collagen production. It provides an immediate lifting effect with continued improvement over time.

Sofwave™ – A cutting-edge ultrasound technology that stimulates collagen at a deep level to lift and firm the face without surgery or downtime. It’s an excellent option for those looking to improve skin elasticity and structure.

Exosome & PRP Therapy – Exosomes and platelet-rich plasma (PRP) are regenerative treatments rich in growth factors that enhance collagen production, improve skin texture, and accelerate healing.

 

3. Diet, Lifestyle, and Aging: Supporting Collagen from the Inside Out

Your skin’s ability to maintain volume is directly impacted by your overall health. Here’s how to support it from within:

Eat a Collagen-Boosting Diet – Prioritize protein-rich foods (wild-caught fish, eggs, lean meats), omega-3 fatty acids (salmon, walnuts, flaxseeds), and antioxidant-rich vegetables (berries, leafy greens).

Consider Targeted Supplements – Collagen peptides, vitamin C, hyaluronic acid, and omega-3 supplements can help enhance collagen production and skin hydration.

Stay Hydrated and Prioritize Sleep – Dehydration makes skin look deflated, and lack of sleep accelerates aging. Prioritizing both is essential for maintaining skin volume.

Sun Protection is Non-Negotiable – UV rays break down collagen at an accelerated rate. Daily use of broad-spectrum SPF 30+ is one of the most effective ways to slow aging.

Manage Stress for Healthier Skin – Chronic stress raises cortisol levels, which break down collagen. Incorporating mindfulness, deep breathing, and time outdoors helps mitigate these effects.

 

The Takeaway: A Proactive Approach to Facial Volume Loss

Aging is inevitable, but looking tired, hollow, or sagging prematurely doesn’t have to be. With a proactive, science-backed approach, you can maintain a lifted, youthful appearance. The key is to support collagen production, restore structure where needed, and protect your skin from further damage.

If you’re ready to take the next step, my Retinol Level 3, Vitamin C Brightening Serum, and Peptide Eye Cream are the perfect starting point. And for deeper rejuvenation, my practice offers cutting-edge, non-surgical treatments designed to restore volume and enhance your natural beauty.

Want to learn more? Schedule a consultation, and let’s create a plan tailored to your skin’s unique needs. Your best skin is ahead of you—let’s get there together.

 

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