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Concern

Facial Aging Treatment in Delafield

Facial aging is a progressive, multifactorial process involving changes to the skin, soft tissue, and underlying bone structure of the face. These changes typically include loss of skin elasticity, reduction in facial volume due to fat and bone loss, formation of wrinkles and fine lines, and descent of soft tissues due to gravity. Facial aging can affect appearance and may prompt individuals to seek evaluation by a dermatologist or plastic surgeon.

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. These changes can include wrinkle formation, volume loss in the cheeks and temples, skin laxity along the jawline, and increased pigmentation. The process is influenced by both genetic factors and environmental exposures such as sun damage.
  • Common signs include fine lines and wrinkles around the eyes and mouth, loss of cheek fullness, sagging skin along the jawline and neck, deepening nasolabial folds, thinning lips, age spots, and under-eye hollowing. These changes typically develop gradually and may become more noticeable after age 40.
  • Facial aging results from a combination of intrinsic factors like genetics and hormonal changes, and extrinsic factors such as sun exposure, smoking, and environmental pollution. Key biological mechanisms include collagen and elastin decline, loss of subcutaneous fat, bone resorption, and repeated muscle movements that create expression lines.
  • Consider consulting a dermatologist or plastic surgeon if facial aging changes affect your confidence or quality of life, if you notice rapid or asymmetric changes, or if skin lesions appear suspicious. A board-certified specialist can evaluate your concerns and discuss appropriate treatment options tailored to your goals.
  • Treatment approaches range from nonsurgical options like injectable fillers, botulinum toxin, and biostimulators that restore lost volume and soften lines, to surgical procedures such as a facelift, neck lift, or eyelid surgery that address deeper structural change. Many patients do best with a combination, and Dr. Boehm builds a plan around your anatomy and goals rather than a fixed menu.
  • While facial aging cannot be entirely prevented, its visible progression can often be slowed with consistent sun protection, avoidance of smoking, a balanced diet rich in antioxidants, adequate hydration, and proper skincare including topical retinoids. Research suggests that UV radiation contributes up to 80% of environmental skin aging.
  • Treatment outcomes vary by procedure and individual factors. Nonsurgical treatments such as fillers and botulinum toxin typically require periodic maintenance. Surgical procedures like facelifts can offer longer-lasting results. Ongoing sun protection and healthy lifestyle habits can help sustain improvements over time.
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: 2026-06-13