
As we get older, our faces change in small but noticeable ways. We might notice our cheeks are less full or that some areas look shadowed. Facial fat pads, the fat under our skin, change a lot with age.
These fat pads are spread out in the face in both top and bottom layers. They help make our face soft, shaped, and look good. At Liv Hospital, we teach patients about their face and how it changes.
Knowing about these changes helps us make smart choices about our face’s health and look.
Key Takeaways
- Facial fat pads are key for our face’s look and feel.
- They change a lot as we age.
- Understanding these changes helps us make smart choices about our face.
- Facial fat pads are found in both top and bottom layers of the face.
- Changes in facial fat pads can affect our face’s softness, shape, and look.
Understanding Facial Fat Pads

The facial fat pads are special parts of our face that help shape it. They are not just random fat; they are specific areas of fat tissue in the face.
Definition and Anatomical Structure
Facial fat pads are made up of smaller fat areas. For example, the malar fat pad makes the cheek look round. It includes infraorbital fat, superficial medial cheek fat, and nasolabial fat. These areas stick to the skin, helping shape our face.
Studies show that facial fat pads are complex. They work together to keep our face looking good. The superficial fat pads of the face are key in this, adding volume and shape to our face.
Function in Facial Appearance and Support
The main job of facial fat pads is to support and keep our face looking young. They help our face look full and smooth. As we get older, these fat pads change, showing signs of aging.
The malar fat pad is key for a youthful cheek. When it changes, our face can look older. Knowing how these changes happen helps us fight signs of aging.
| Fat Pad | Location | Function |
| Malar Fat Pad | Cheek area | Provides cheek volume and contour |
| Buccal Fat Pad | Lower cheek area | Contributes to lower cheek structure |
| Nasolabial Fat | Nasolabial fold area | Influences the depth of the nasolabial fold |
Understanding facial fat pads helps us see how aging affects our face. It shows why these structures are important for a youthful look.
Types of Fat Pads Face and Their Locations

The face has several fat pads, each with its own role. These pads help shape our face’s look. They are key to our face’s contours and beauty.
These fat pads are different and serve unique purposes. The malar and buccal fat pads are two main types. They affect how our face looks.
The Malar Fat Pad: Cheek Volume and Contour
The malar fat pad is in the cheek. It keeps the cheek full and defined. It’s a cheek fat pad that makes us look young and healthy.
This fat pad is important for the mid-face. As we get older, it changes. This can make the cheek look less sharp.
The Buccal Fat Pad: Lower Cheek Structure
The buccal fat pad is in the lower cheek. It goes from the cheek to below the cheekbone. It’s bigger than the malar pad. It helps muscles move smoothly and protects nerves and blood vessels.
This fat pad is special for shaping the face. It’s a fat pad of the face that shapes the lower cheek. It’s important for our face’s look.
Knowing about these fat pads helps us understand facial changes with age. The malar and buccal fat pads are key to our face’s look. They shape how we appear.
Age-Related Changes in Facial Fat Pads
The aging process changes how facial fat pads look and feel. As we get older, our facial fat pads go through big changes. Some get smaller, while others get bigger or move around.
Knowing about these changes helps us understand why our faces look different as we age. Our bones and fat pads change, leading to signs of aging. The face loses volume in some spots, like the temples and cheeks, but gains it in others, like the nasolabial folds and jowls.
Volume Loss Patterns: Temples, Eyes, and Cheeks
As we age, fat pads in the temples, around the eyes, and in the cheeks shrink. This makes the temples look hollow, the eyes sunken, and the cheeks less plump.
This loss of volume happens naturally as we get older. The temples, for example, can become more concave, making the face look older.
Fat Redistribution: Nasolabial Folds and Jowls
While some areas lose fat, others get more. The nasolabial folds, from the nose to the mouth, get deeper as fat builds up. The jowls also get more noticeable as fat moves along the jawline.
This fat redistribution makes the face look older. Deeper nasolabial folds and less defined jawlines are common signs. It’s important to understand these changes for effective facial rejuvenation.
| Area | Change with Age | Effect on Appearance |
| Temples | Volume loss | Hollow appearance |
| Around the Eyes | Fat loss | Sunken eyes |
| Cheeks | Volume loss | Less plump and defined |
| Nasolabial Folds | Fat accumulation | More pronounced folds |
| Jowls | Fat redistribution | More prominent jowls |
Conclusion: Understanding Facial Aging and Facial Fat Areas
It’s important to know how facial fat changes with age. The face fat areas and fat deposit in the face can greatly affect how we look.
Learning about facial fat pads and aging helps us find ways to look younger. There are many options, from exercises and skincare to more serious treatments. These can help with the changes in facial fat as we age.
The loss of volume in face fat areas leads to lines and jowls. Knowing this helps us choose treatments to make our face look younger.
The fat in our face is key to its shape. Understanding how it changes with age helps us tackle signs of aging. This way, we can aim for a more youthful look.
FAQ
What are facial fat pads?
Facial fat pads are special areas of fat in the face. They help keep the face looking young and support its structure.
What is the function of the malar fat pad?
The malar fat pad makes the cheek look round. It’s made up of smaller fats like infraorbital, superficial medial cheek, and nasolabial fat.
What is the role of the buccal fat pad?
The buccal fat pad is in the lower cheek. It’s key in shaping the lower cheek area.
How do facial fat pads change with age?
With age, some facial fats shrink, while others grow or move. This can make the face look older, with less volume in the temples, eyes, and cheeks.
Do you lose facial fat as you age?
Yes, losing facial fat is common with age. Some fats shrink, while others grow or move.
What are the effects of fat redistribution in the face?
Fat moving around can make the face look older. This is seen in the nasolabial folds and jowls.
Can facial fat loss be addressed?
Yes, there are ways to deal with losing facial fat. These include lifestyle changes, non-invasive treatments, and surgery.
What are superficial fat pads of the face?
Superficial fat pads are fats near the skin’s surface. They affect how the face looks and is supported.
How do cheek fat pads affect facial appearance?
Cheek fat pads, like the malar fat pad, make the cheek round. They’re important for a youthful look.
References
Government Health Resource. Evidence-Based Medical Guidance. Retrieved from
https://raggiomd.com/the-anatomy-of-facial-aging-whats-happening-to-my-face/[3