Lines or Volume Loss? Understanding Which Concern You're Seeing

When you look in the mirror and notice a change, it can be hard to tell what’s actually causing it. Broadly, there are three different concerns: expression lines that appear when you move, static lines that stay when your face is at rest, and volume change in the deeper structures of the face. They often overlap, and working out which is driving what you see is the first job of a consultation.

This guide explains each concern and how a practitioner assesses them. It doesn’t set out treatments. Those depend on your individual assessment and can only be discussed with a registered health practitioner.

Expression lines (dynamic lines)

Expression lines appear when facial muscles contract and fold the skin, for example when you frown, raise your eyebrows, squint or smile. When your face relaxes, they fade or disappear.

Common places:

• Between the eyebrows (frown lines)
• Across the forehead
• At the outer corners of the eyes (often called crow’s feet)

Everyone has expression lines. How visible they are depends on how expressive you are, your skin thickness and your skin’s elasticity.

Static lines (lines at rest)

Static lines are visible even when your face is completely relaxed. They usually develop gradually, as years of repeated movement crease skin that has lost collagen and elastin through sun exposure and ageing. Smoking and genetics play a part too.

A line can start as an expression line and become a static line over time. Static lines are also common in places where skin quality is the main factor, such as fine crêpey lines on the cheeks or around the mouth.

Volume change

Volume change happens below the skin. With age, the fat pads of the face shrink and move, the facial bones gradually change shape, and the skin’s supporting structure weakens. Weight loss can speed this up.

Volume change can show as:

• Flatter cheeks, which can make the folds from the nose to the mouth look deeper
• Hollows or shadows under the eyes
• A less defined jawline or chin profile
• Lines and folds that look deeper because the support beneath them has changed

So a fold that looks like “a line” may actually be mostly about volume, and a hollow may be mostly about skin thinning or pigmentation. That’s why a single photo or a brief look isn’t enough.

How a practitioner assesses what you see

A thorough assessment usually includes:

• At rest and in motion. Looking at your face when it’s relaxed and while you make expressions, to see which lines come and go and which stay
• Skin quality. Thickness, elasticity, texture, sun damage and pigmentation
• Proportions and structure. How the cheeks, under-eye area, lips, chin and jaw relate to each other
• Lighting and angles. Shadows can exaggerate or hide changes
• Your history. Age, weight changes, sun exposure, smoking, medical history and previous treatments
• Your priorities. What actually bothers you, which can differ from what someone else would notice

From there, the practitioner explains what they think is driving your concern and the options that may suit you, along with the risks, costs and alternatives. Those options can include skincare, sun protection, skin treatments, referral to a specialist, or doing nothing.

Risks and suitability

Every cosmetic procedure carries risk, and results vary between people. Some people aren’t suitable for some treatments, for example during pregnancy or breastfeeding, or because of certain medical conditions or medicines. Cosmetic consultations are for adults aged 18 and over. Treatments that involve prescription medicines can only be considered after an in-person consultation with an appropriately qualified, registered health practitioner.

Before you book

• Check the practitioner on the Ahpra public register. Our registration-check guide explains how.
• Ask what type of registration they hold
• Ask about all options, including not having treatment
• Get costs in writing
• Take time to think

Request a consultation

Tell us what you’d like to discuss and we’ll get back to you within 24–48 hours to arrange a no-obligation consultation. Requesting a consultation is free and there’s no obligation; any consultation fee is confirmed before you book.

Request a consultation. Depending on your main concern, you may also find these pages useful: Lines & Wrinkles Consultation, Facial Volume Consultation and Facial Consultations.

See also: what to expect at a facial volume loss consultation, what to expect at a lines and wrinkles consultation, what to expect at a lip consultation, why facial lines form.

Frequently asked questions

What's the difference between expression lines and static lines?

Expression lines appear when you move your face, for example when you frown or smile, and fade when you relax. Static lines are visible even when your face is at rest, usually after years of repeated movement combined with sun damage and skin ageing.

What is facial volume change?

It's the gradual change in the fat, bone and skin support of the face with age, weight loss and other factors. It can show as flatter cheeks, hollows under the eyes or a less defined jaw, and it can make some lines and folds look deeper.

Can I have more than one of these concerns?

Yes. Most people have a mix of expression lines, static lines, skin changes and volume change. A practitioner assesses how they combine in your face rather than looking at one line in isolation.

How do I find out what's driving my concern?

A consultation with a registered health practitioner. They'll look at your face at rest and in motion, assess your skin quality and proportions, and explain the options that may suit you, including doing nothing.