Ageing of the Face (Fat Pads)

Factors accelerating facial fat pad changes

The loss of subcutaneous fat tissue is known as facial lipoatrophy. It occurs normally with ageing whereby patients present with flattening or indentation of convex contour of the face. It may be caused by:

  1. Weight loss
  2. Sun exposure
  3. chronic diseases such as HIV
  4. Connective tissue diseases such as Lupus erythematosus profundus / morphea.
  5. Medications
  6. Inflammatory diseases
  7. Alcohol consumption
  8. Diet
  9. Endocrine diseases
  10. Early menopause – oestrogen reduction causes redistribution of facial fat