Facial Volume Consultation Adelaide

Many people notice that their face looks flatter, more hollow or more tired than it used to, even when their skin is in good condition. A facial volume consultation is where a registered health practitioner assesses what has changed and why, explains which options may be suitable, and talks through risks, costs and alternatives — including leaving things as they are.

DermaFox Aesthetics arranges consultations and is not itself a medical or cosmetic practitioner. Any treatment decision is made with the registered health practitioner who assesses you.

How facial volume changes

Facial volume changes for several reasons, often at the same time:

• Ageing — the face changes gradually through adulthood. Facial fat pads can thin and shift, the bones of the face change shape, and skin loses some of its firmness and elasticity.
• Weight change — losing weight, whether gradually or over a shorter time, can reduce fullness in the face as well as the body.
• Sun exposure — long-term UV exposure affects skin quality, which can make volume changes more noticeable.
• Genetics and general health — your face shape and how it changes over time are partly inherited.

Because several layers are involved, a flatter look isn’t always about volume alone. Skin quality, pigmentation and the way light falls on the face all play a part.

Under-eye hollows and cheek volume

Under-eye hollows and changes in cheek volume are two of the most common concerns raised at a facial volume consultation, and they are often related.

Shadowing under the eyes can come from a hollow between the lower eyelid and the cheek, but it can also come from pigmentation, visible blood vessels, puffiness, fluid retention or loose skin. These causes look similar in the mirror but call for very different approaches, and some aren’t cosmetic at all — persistent puffiness or swelling is worth raising with your GP.

Changes in the cheeks can also affect how the under-eye area looks, so a practitioner will usually assess the mid-face as a whole rather than one spot in isolation. Not everyone with under-eye shadowing is suitable for cosmetic treatment, and a good consultation will tell you if that’s the case.

What’s assessed

At a facial volume consultation, expect the practitioner to:

• Take your health history, including medicines, allergies, pregnancy or breastfeeding, recent weight change, and previous cosmetic treatments
• Look at your face from the front and in profile, at rest and in movement
• Assess skin quality, pigmentation and laxity, and how these contribute to your concern
• Ask what bothers you, and talk honestly about what is and isn’t realistic

Options that may be discussed

Depending on your assessment, options may include:

• Skincare and sun protection — the foundations of skin health at any age.
• Skin treatments — for skin texture, pigmentation or laxity concerns. See our skin and laser treatments and advanced facials and skin treatments pages.
• Options that can only be discussed in a consultation — some options involve prescription medicines, which can only be considered after an in-person consultation with an appropriately qualified, registered health practitioner.
• Referral to a GP, dermatologist or other specialist where appropriate.
• No treatment — always a valid choice.

Risks and suitability

Every cosmetic procedure carries risk, and results vary from person to person. Depending on the option, risks can include redness, swelling, bruising, discomfort, infection, pigment changes, asymmetry, an outcome you don’t like and, rarely, serious complications. The under-eye area has thin skin and complex anatomy, so ask your practitioner to explain the specific risks for that area and what would happen if a complication occurred. Recovery varies; your practitioner will explain what to expect.

Some options may not suit you if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, have an active skin infection, have certain medical or autoimmune conditions, or take certain medicines. Be open about your full health history, including previous cosmetic treatments.

Before you book

• Check the practitioner on the Ahpra public register and ask what type of registration they hold.
• Ask about every option, including skin-focused alternatives and no treatment.
• Ask for costs in writing, including any follow-up appointments.
• Take time to think before deciding — you shouldn’t feel pressured on the day.
• Cosmetic consultations are for adults (18+).

Consultations across Adelaide

We take enquiries from across greater Adelaide, from the CBD and inner suburbs to the coast, the northern and southern suburbs and the Adelaide Hills. Tell us your suburb and the times that suit. For other concerns, see the facial consultation hub or the lines and wrinkles consultation.

Further reading

• What to expect at a facial volume loss consultation
• Lines or volume loss: which concern is it?
• How to check a cosmetic practitioner’s registration

Request a facial volume 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. Request a consultation. Requesting a consultation is free and there’s no obligation; any consultation fee is confirmed before you book.

Frequently asked questions

How much does a facial volume consultation cost?

Requesting a consultation is free and there's no obligation. Any consultation fee is set by the practitioner and confirmed before you book, and treatment costs are only quoted in writing after you've been assessed.

Can you tell me which product will be used?

That's only discussed with the practitioner during the consultation, because prescription medicines can't be advertised to the public in Australia.

Why does my face look flatter than it used to?

Faces change with age as bone, fat and skin all change, and weight loss can also affect facial fullness. A practitioner can assess which changes are contributing in your case.

Are dark circles the same as under-eye hollows?

Not always. Shadowing under the eyes can come from hollowing, pigmentation, visible blood vessels, puffiness or skin laxity, and each has different options. Some causes are best looked at by a GP or dermatologist.

Do I have to have treatment after the consultation?

No. A consultation is for information and assessment. Doing nothing is always an option, and you should be given time to think before deciding anything.