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Concern

Treatment for Facial Aging in Delafield

Facial aging is a progressive, multifactorial process involving changes to the skin, soft tissue, and underlying bone structure of the face. Although it is often described as one process, it has three distinct parts: loss of skin elasticity, followed by fine lines and wrinkles; loss of facial volume as fat pads and bone recede; and descent of soft tissue under gravity, which produces jowls and a softened jawline. These changes rarely progress at the same rate in one face, and they do not respond to the same treatment. Evaluation by a dermatologist or plastic surgeon generally begins by separating them.

Medically reviewed by Dr. Lucas Boehm, MD · Updated April 2026

At a Glance

The epidermis thins by approximately 10-50% over a lifetime, contributing to more fragile and translucent facial skin[3]
UV radiation contributes up to 80% of environmental skin aging factors, making sun protection a primary preventive strategy[3]
Deep facial fat loss removes structural support from overlying tissue, contributing to sagging and volume deflation[5]
Loss of bone mass in the jaw and midface alters facial proportions, making the forehead, nose, and mouth more pronounced[1]
Collagen production declines with age, and reduced synthesis of types I and III collagen is characteristic of chronologically aged skin[6]

Signs & symptoms

  • Fine lines and wrinkles, particularly around the eyes, forehead, and mouth
  • Loss of facial volume and hollowing in the cheeks and temples
  • Sagging or laxity of the skin along the jawline and neck
  • Deepening of nasolabial folds and marionette lines
  • Thinning of the lips and loss of lip definition
  • Age spots, uneven skin tone, and increased pigmentation
  • Drooping of the upper eyelids and bags under the eyes
  • Rough or dry skin texture
  • Visible pores and changes in skin surface quality
  • Loss of jawline definition and jowl formation

What causes Facial Aging

  • Intrinsic chronological aging and genetic predisposition
  • Cumulative ultraviolet (UV) radiation exposure from sunlight
  • Decline in collagen and elastin production with age
  • Loss of subcutaneous fat volume and redistribution of facial fat pads
  • Bone resorption and changes to facial skeletal structure
  • Decreased production of hyaluronic acid and other glycosaminoglycans
  • Hormonal changes, particularly reduced estrogen after menopause
  • Repeated facial muscle movements creating dynamic wrinkles

Risk factors

  • Chronic sun exposure without adequate protection
  • Cigarette smoking
  • Fair skin with less melanin-based UV protection
  • Family history of premature skin aging
  • Poor nutrition and inadequate hydration
  • Chronic stress and sleep deprivation
  • Environmental pollution exposure
  • Excessive alcohol consumption

How it's assessed

  1. Clinical visual assessment of facial skin quality and laxity
  2. Evaluation of facial volume distribution and symmetry
  3. Assessment of skin texture, pigmentation, and photodamage
  4. Review of patient medical history and lifestyle factors
  5. Photographic documentation for treatment planning

How is Facial Aging treated

Several approaches can address facial aging:

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Recovery & outlook

  • Facial aging is a natural process that progresses over time
  • Many signs of facial aging can be addressed through surgical and nonsurgical interventions
  • Results from treatments vary depending on the procedure, individual skin characteristics, and lifestyle
  • Ongoing maintenance may be needed to sustain treatment outcomes
  • Sun protection and healthy lifestyle habits can help slow the progression of visible aging

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Facial aging is a natural process involving changes to the skin, fat, muscle, and bone of the face over time. It can appear as wrinkles, volume loss in the cheeks and temples, laxity along the jawline, and increased pigmentation. Genetics and environmental exposures such as sun damage both influence the process.
  • Common signs include fine lines and wrinkles around the eyes and mouth, loss of cheek fullness, sagging along the jawline and neck, deeper nasolabial folds, thinning lips, age spots, and hollowing beneath the eyes. These changes usually develop gradually and may become more noticeable after age 40.
  • Facial aging results from intrinsic factors, including genetics and hormonal changes, and extrinsic factors such as sun exposure, smoking, and environmental pollution. The underlying changes include declining collagen and elastin, loss of subcutaneous fat, bone resorption, and repeated muscle movements that create expression lines.
  • See a plastic surgeon if facial changes affect your confidence or quality of life, or if they appear rapidly or asymmetrically. A suspicious skin lesion is different – have it evaluated promptly by a dermatologist. A board-certified specialist can evaluate your concerns and discuss treatment options that fit your goals.
  • Nonsurgical options include injectable fillers, botulinum toxin, and biostimulators that restore lost volume and soften lines. Surgical options such as a facelift, neck lift, or eyelid surgery address deeper structural change. Many patients do best with a combination. Dr. Boehm builds the plan around your anatomy and goals rather than drawing from a fixed menu.
  • Facial aging cannot be entirely prevented, but its visible progression can often be slowed with consistent sun protection, avoidance of smoking, a balanced diet rich in antioxidants, adequate hydration, and skincare that includes topical retinoids. Research suggests that UV radiation contributes up to 80% of environmental skin aging.
  • Outcomes vary by procedure and individual factors. Nonsurgical treatments such as fillers and botulinum toxin typically require periodic maintenance, while surgical procedures such as facelifts can provide longer-lasting results. Continued sun protection and healthy lifestyle habits can help sustain improvements over time.
  • The answer depends on which part of facial aging is driving the change you see. Volume loss, including flattening of the cheek and hollowing beneath the eye, responds well to fillers and biostimulators. Descended tissue, seen as jowls along the jawline or laxity in the neck, is a repositioning problem. Adding volume there tends to create heaviness, which is the opposite of the effect people came in for. Most people have some degree of both. Dr. Boehm offers the nonsurgical and surgical options himself, so the assessment is not steered by which one happens to be available. A useful plan identifies which of the three drivers it is treating rather than promising rejuvenation in general.
Dr. Lucas Boehm, board-certified plastic surgeon, formal editorial portrait in soft daylight

Your surgeon

Care that respects what makes you, you.

Dr. Lucas BoehmBoard-Certified Plastic Surgeon

Dr. Lucas Boehm is a Wisconsin native, board-certified, fellowship-trained plastic surgeon and the founder of Consona Plastic Surgery and Aesthetics. His practice is dedicated exclusively to aesthetic surgery of the face, nose, breast, and body, with particular expertise in deep plane facelifts, rhinoplasty, and aesthetic breast surgery. He completed his undergraduate education at the University of Wisconsin–Madison, earned his medical degree from the Medical College of Wisconsin, and completed his plastic surgery residency there as well. He then pursued an Aesthetic Society-endorsed fellowship in aesthetic surgery under the mentorship of Dr. Bradley Calobrace in Louisville, Kentucky. Known for meticulous attention to detail, he approaches each case with precision and intention. His philosophy emphasizes harmony and balance – enhancing what is already beautiful while ensuring every change feels natural, thoughtful, and uniquely you.

Board-certified
Am. Board of Plastic Surgery
Fellowship-trained
Aesthetic surgery
12+ years
In practice

Sources & references

This article draws on 6 sources, including peer-reviewed research, leading medical institutions.

Government & research

Medical institutions

Educational & general

Medically reviewed by Dr. Lucas Boehm, MD · Last reviewed: 2026-09-12