50 Faces Project: The Sinker Face

Do you notice that your face has started to lose volume with age? Fat compartments, bone structures and soft tissues gradually change, while the skin produces less collagen and elastin. Many celebrities — from Julianne Moore and Angelina Jolie to Nicole Kidman and Lisa Bonet — have faced the same thing as they became older.

Cosmetologists call this condition Sinker Face. With it, the face gradually becomes noticeably thinner, and some areas become more sunken. But there is no need to worry: it is a natural part of us. The main thing is to know how to support your beauty and work with this specific type. In the new article of the 50 Faces Project, we explain why these symptoms can appear, how to deal with them professionally and at home, and what solution we offer at Lymface.

What is Sinker Face

Sinker Face is a type of age-related change where the main issue is not sagging tissues, but a decrease in the volume and supporting structures of the face. The term is used to describe people whose face becomes more sunken and defined with age [1].

The changes are most often visible in certain areas of the face. For example, the cheekbones can become more visible, hollows can appear under the eyes and in the temple area, and the cheeks can become less full. Because of this, the face can sometimes look more tired, even though the person does not feel any different.

The process is based on changes in several structures at the same time. With age, the volume and distribution of the superficial and deep fat compartments can decrease, bone density gradually becomes lower, and soft tissues lose some of their support. The volume of facial muscles can also decrease. All of this affects the overall appearance and contours of the face.

It is important to differentiate the Sinker Face from another common aging pattern — mainly sagging tissues, or Sagger Face, which we talked about in the previous article. Despite the difference, these processes can happen at the same time, so in our practice we often see a combination of both.

Why does Sinker Face happen

The main factor is age-related changes that we already mentioned above. The volume and position of tissues change, while the skin loses collagen and other proteins responsible for elasticity, which leads to this process.

Another important reason is significant weight loss. When the total amount of body fat decreases, the volume of subcutaneous fat in the face also decreases. This can be especially noticeable after fast or significant weight loss. For example, with the help of special medications (like Ozempic) or bariatric surgery.

Genetics also affects how noticeable these changes are. In people who naturally have a thin face, a thin layer of subcutaneous fat, or a certain cheekbone and jaw structure, the loss of even a small amount of volume can be more visible.

The condition of the teeth and the jaw and facial system can also be connected with changes in the appearance of the lower and middle parts of the face. In particular, this includes tooth removal in adulthood, bite and TMJ problems and some other dental issues. However, this is not a universal reason and it does not cause tissue thinning. Rather, it can make the situation worse if the subcutaneous fat and muscles have already lost volume.

How we work with Sinker Face at Lymface

When working with Sinker Face, it is important to consider the limits of non-invasive methods. Massage cannot restore lost fat tissue, muscle, or bone structure. That is why the goal of Lymface is not to try to “bring back” what has already changed anatomically, but to work with the tissue parameters that can be changed without injections.

We pay attention to muscle tension, tissue mobility, local blood circulation, and the type of swelling. Chronically tense muscles can change the position and function of nearby tissues, while swelling can visually change the contours of the face. Working with these factors can make the face look more relaxed, fresh and balanced.

If significant volume loss is the main reason for the change in appearance, medical correction methods are available. Depending on the situation, a doctor may consider dermal fillers, injections that stimulate collagen production or fat grafting — the transfer of a person’s own fat tissue [2]. Such procedures require an individual assessment of the anatomy, indications and possible risks by a specialist.

How to take care of your face at home

With Sinker Face, you should not try to compensate for volume loss with intensive facial exercises or aggressive “lifting” techniques. They cannot restore lost fat or bone structures and too much pressure can increase tension in certain muscles.

At home, it is better to focus on maintaining healthy skin and normal function of the soft tissues. Gentle self-massage and relaxation techniques without strong pressure can be useful, especially if certain areas of the face are constantly tense.

Daily sun protection and regular skincare are important for the skin. Depending on the condition of the skin, this can include retinoids, vitamin C and other ingredients with proven effectiveness for maintaining skin quality. It is also important to avoid sudden changes in weight and give the body enough fluids and a balanced diet.