At some point, most people notice their face starting to look a little different, not necessarily older in an obvious way, but somehow less full, less defined, or a bit more tired than it used to be. This is usually the point where fillers enter the conversation, often after someone has already tried skincare and other treatments without addressing the actual issue, which is volume loss.
At Re-Glo Aesthetics in Los Gatos, California, dermal fillers are offered through the practice's Volume + Definition services, using a range of products chosen to match each client's specific anatomy and goals. This guide explains why facial volume changes over time, how fillers address it, and what to expect from treatment.
Why Does Facial Volume Decrease Over Time?
Facial aging isn't just about wrinkles. A significant part of what people perceive as an aged appearance actually comes from structural volume loss beneath the skin. Several factors drive this:
Fat Pad Loss and Redistribution
The face contains distinct fat compartments that provide youthful contour and support. Over time, these pads shrink and shift position, which can create hollowing in areas like the midface and under the eyes while adding fullness in areas like the lower face and jawline.
Bone Resorption
The facial skeleton itself changes with age, particularly in areas like the cheekbones, jaw, and around the eye sockets. This bone loss removes structural support for the overlying soft tissue, contributing to a sunken or deflated appearance.
Collagen and Elastin Decline
As collagen production slows, skin loses some of its ability to spring back and hold its shape, which compounds the visual effect of volume loss happening in the deeper facial structures.
Gravity and Cumulative Skin Laxity
Combined, these changes make skin more susceptible to the effects of gravity over time, contributing to sagging along the cheeks, jawline, and jowls.
What Facial Concerns Do Fillers Address?
Hollow or Flattened Cheeks
Loss of volume in the midface is one of the most common concerns fillers address, restoring contour and a more lifted appearance.
Nasolabial Folds and Marionette Lines
These deeper lines running from the nose to the mouth, and from the mouth toward the chin, often soften significantly with strategically placed filler.
Under-Eye Hollowing
Volume loss beneath the eyes can create a persistently tired appearance, even with adequate sleep. Specific filler products are designed for this sensitive area.
Thinning Lips
Lips naturally lose volume and definition with age. Filler can restore fullness and a more defined lip border.
Jawline Definition
Filler placed strategically along the jawline can restore definition that's been softened by volume loss and skin laxity.
Chin Shadows and Asymmetry
Subtle filler placement can balance chin projection and reduce shadowing that affects overall facial harmony.
What Filler Options Are Available at Re-Glo?
RHA Collection
The RHA Collection, including Redensity 2, 3, and 4, is designed to move naturally with the face's dynamic expressions, which many clients and providers feel contributes to a more natural-looking result compared to older filler formulations.
Hyperdilute Radiesse
This approach uses a diluted form of Radiesse to stimulate the body's own collagen production over time, in addition to providing immediate volume, making it a popular choice for broader areas needing gradual, natural-looking improvement.
PRF Gel
Platelet-rich fibrin gel uses a concentrated preparation of the client's own blood components to rejuvenate and add subtle volume, appealing to clients who prefer a treatment built entirely from their body's own natural growth factors rather than a synthetic filler product.
How Are Fillers Different From Neurotoxins Like Botox?
This is one of the most frequent questions during filler consultations. Neurotoxins like Botox relax the muscles responsible for expression lines, addressing wrinkles caused by repeated facial movement. Fillers work differently, adding volume and structural support to areas that have lost fullness. Many clients benefit from both, using wrinkle relaxers for dynamic lines and fillers for volume restoration in the same overall treatment plan. Our earlier article on neurotoxin injections versus fillers for facial balancing breaks this comparison down further.
Who Is a Good Candidate for Dermal Fillers?
Good candidates for filler treatment generally:
- Have noticed volume loss in specific areas like the cheeks, under-eyes, lips, or jawline
- Want a non-surgical option to restore fullness and contour
- Have realistic expectations about achieving a natural, balanced enhancement rather than a dramatically altered appearance
- Are not currently pregnant or breastfeeding, and don't have certain allergies or active infections in the treatment area
A consultation with your provider will help determine which filler product and placement strategy best matches your facial anatomy and goals.
What Happens During a Filler Appointment?
Your provider will begin by discussing your goals and assessing your facial structure to determine the best treatment areas and product choice. Most filler appointments take between thirty and sixty minutes, depending on how many areas are being treated. Topical numbing is often used to keep the injections comfortable.
What Should You Expect Afterward?
Mild swelling, tenderness, and occasional bruising at injection sites are common and typically resolve within a few days to a week. Results from most fillers are visible almost immediately, though some products, like hyperdilute Radiesse, continue to improve gradually over several weeks as they stimulate collagen production.
How Long Do Fillers Last?
Longevity varies by product and treatment area, with most fillers lasting anywhere from six months to over a year before touch-up treatment is needed. Areas with more movement, like the lips, tend to metabolize filler somewhat faster than areas with less movement, like the cheeks.
Why Choose Re-Glo Aesthetics for Fillers in Los Gatos?
Re-Glo Aesthetics approaches filler treatment with a strong emphasis on natural-looking, balanced results rather than overdone volume. Your provider will take the time to understand your facial anatomy and goals before recommending a specific product and placement strategy, ensuring the final result enhances your features rather than changing them.
Ready to Restore Your Natural Volume?
Contact Re-Glo Aesthetics to schedule a consultation and explore which filler option is the right fit for your goals.
Filling In the Gaps, Naturally
Volume loss is one of those changes that happens quietly, one small shift at a time, until it adds up to something you finally notice in the mirror. The good news is that restoring that volume doesn't require anything drastic. With the right filler and a provider who understands your unique anatomy, it's entirely possible to look like a refreshed version of yourself, not someone else entirely.
Updated August 2026.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do dermal fillers typically last? Most fillers last between six months and over a year, depending on the specific product, treatment area, and individual metabolism.
Are dermal fillers painful? Most filler treatments involve topical numbing to minimize discomfort, and any soreness afterward is typically mild and short-lived.
What is the difference between fillers and Botox? Fillers restore lost volume and structure, while Botox and similar neurotoxins relax muscles responsible for expression lines. Many clients use both for a comprehensive result.
Can fillers be dissolved if I don't like the results? Hyaluronic acid based fillers like the RHA Collection can typically be dissolved with an enzyme if needed, though this should always be discussed with your provider first.
How soon will I see results after getting fillers? Most fillers show immediate results, with any initial swelling settling within a few days to reveal the final outcome. Some products, like hyperdilute Radiesse, continue to improve gradually over several weeks.