Volume, laxity or skin quality: what has actually changed?
Updated: 4 days ago
Sometimes people come into clinic knowing that they look different, but not quite knowing why.
They might feel that their face looks more tired, less defined or simply not as fresh as it used to. It’s very easy to jump straight to a treatment — “Do I need filler?” is something I hear often — but the treatment is never the best place to start.
The first question is: what has actually changed?
As we age, several things can be happening at the same time. We can lose facial volume, the skin can become less firm, and changes in hydration, texture and collagen can affect the overall quality of the skin. These are different concerns, and they don’t all need the same solution.
Volume loss
Over time, we naturally lose some of the volume and structural support within the face. This can change the contours of the cheeks, temples, jawline and other areas, and may contribute to shadows or a more tired appearance.
In the right person, carefully placed dermal filler can sometimes help to restore lost support and balance. But that doesn’t mean filler is automatically the answer whenever someone feels their face has changed.
Skin laxity
Laxity is different from volume loss. It refers to changes in the firmness and elasticity of the skin and supporting tissues.
Replacing volume alone won’t necessarily improve laxity, and adding too much filler in an attempt to “lift” the face can sometimes create a result that feels heavier rather than fresher.
This is why it’s important to assess the face as a whole rather than simply treating the area that appears to be bothering you.
Skin quality
Sometimes the biggest change isn’t shape at all.
Skin may become drier, duller, thinner or less even in texture. Fine lines can become more noticeable and the skin may simply lose some of the healthy, hydrated quality it once had.
In these cases, treatments that focus on collagen, hydration or overall skin health may be more appropriate than adding volume.
The right treatment starts with the right assessment
Often, there isn’t one single issue.
There may be a combination of volume loss, changes in skin quality and a degree of laxity. That’s why I prefer to begin with a conversation and an assessment rather than working backwards from a treatment someone has already decided they need.
My role is to look at your face as a whole, understand what has changed and talk you through the options that might genuinely help — including when doing less, or doing nothing at all, is the better choice.
The aim isn’t to make you look different. It’s to help you understand what you’re seeing and make informed decisions about your skin and face.
Not sure what has changed or where to start?
A consultation gives us time to talk it through and create a plan that feels right for you.
