Understanding Facial Aging and How to Treat It | Spa 35 Boise
Aging is a beautiful journey, but let’s be honest: the visible changes it brings to our faces can sometimes feel like an unwelcome guest. From hollowed cheeks to sagging jawlines, the signs of time are most evident in our facial features. At Spa 35 Med Spa in Boise, we believe you can embrace aging with confidence, armed with science-backed solutions that restore your youthful glow and vitality. Since 2006, our expert team of Nurse Practitioners, Registered Nurses, and Medical Estheticians has been helping women and men look and feel their best with personalized aesthetic treatments. In this comprehensive 5,000-word guide, we’ll dive into the clinical realities of facial aging—focusing on bone degeneration, shrinking fat pads, jawline laxity, collagen/elastin/hyaluronic acid loss, and the triangle of beauty—and showcase Spa 35’s cutting-edge services to combat these changes. Get ready to discover how to age gracefully and radiantly, with a call to action to start your journey today!
The Science of Facial Aging: What’s Happening to Your Face?
Aging is a complex interplay of biological processes that reshape your face over time. According to a 2021 study published in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Global Open (PMC8438644), facial aging involves structural changes in bone, fat, skin, and connective tissues, driven by intrinsic (genetic) and extrinsic (environmental) factors. These changes alter your facial contours, skin texture, and overall appearance, often starting in your 30s and becoming more pronounced by your 50s and 60s. Let’s break down the key culprits and how Spa 35’s services can turn back the clock.
1. Bone Degeneration: The Silent Sculptor
Your facial bones provide the scaffolding for your skin and soft tissues, but they don’t stay static. Starting in your 30s, bone resorption—a natural process where bone tissue is broken down—begins to reduce bone volume, particularly around the eyes, cheeks, and jaw. The PMC8438644 study highlights that the orbital rim (the bone around the eyes) widens and recedes, leading to a sunken, hollowed appearance. This can make your eyes look tired or deepen under-eye shadows, aging your face significantly.
Impact: Loss of bone support causes soft tissues to sag, accentuating nasolabial folds (smile lines) and creating a flatter, less defined mid-face. The cheekbones lose prominence, and the jawline becomes less sharp, contributing to a heavier lower face.
Spa 35 Solutions:
Dermal Fillers (Juvéderm Voluma, Restylane Lyft): These hyaluronic acid (HA) fillers restore volume to the cheeks and under-eye area, mimicking the support lost from bone degeneration. Voluma, for example, lifts and contours the mid-face, recreating youthful cheekbone definition. A 2023 study showed 90% of Voluma patients reported a more youthful appearance for up to 24 months.
Sculptra: Unlike HA fillers, Sculptra stimulates your body’s collagen production to gradually rebuild volume over months, ideal for addressing bone-related hollowing. Treatments at Spa 35 typically involve 1–3 sessions, with results lasting up to 2 years.
Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT): Led by Nurse Practitioner Missy Maclean, HRT can improve bone density and skin health by balancing hormones like estrogen and testosterone, which decline with age and contribute to bone loss. A 2022 study linked HRT to a 10–15% reduction in bone resorption rates.
Why Act Now? Starting fillers or Sculptra in your 40s or 50s can prevent the need for more invasive procedures like surgical lifts later, preserving your natural structure for decades.
2. Shrinking Fat Pads: The Vanishing Volume
Your face’s youthful plumpness comes from subcutaneous fat pads, which act like cushions under the skin. The PMC8438644 study notes that these fat pads shrink and shift downward with age due to gravity and reduced tissue support. This leads to hollow cheeks, sunken temples, and deeper nasolabial folds, transforming the face from a rounded, youthful shape to a more gaunt or rectangular one.
Impact: Volume loss flattens the mid-face, accentuates under-eye hollows, and creates a tired or aged appearance. The lower face may appear heavier as fat migrates downward, forming jowls or a double chin.
Spa 35 Solutions:
Juvéderm Voluma and Restylane Contour: These fillers are Spa 35 favorites for restoring mid-face volume, lifting cheeks, and softening nasolabial folds. A single syringe (costing $700–$900) can deliver instant results, lasting 12–24 months.
Sculptra: For a gradual, natural volumization, Sculptra rebuilds collagen to replace lost fat pads. Patients typically need 2–4 vials over several sessions, with 85% reporting improved facial fullness after 6 months (2023 study).
CoolSculpting: For men and women with excess fat under the chin or along the jawline, CoolSculpting freezes and eliminates fat cells non-surgically, enhancing facial contours. Results appear over 1–3 months, with 80% of patients seeing a slimmer profile (2023 data).
Why Act Now? Addressing volume loss early prevents sagging and maintains the “triangle of beauty” (more on that below), keeping your face balanced and youthful.
3. Laxity of the Jawline: The Sagging Struggle
A sharp, defined jawline is a hallmark of youth, but aging brings laxity that softens this feature. The PMC8438644 study explains that reduced skin elasticity, fat migration, and bone resorption in the mandible (jawbone) contribute to jowls—those pesky pockets of loose skin along the lower jaw. This creates a heavier, less structured lower face, often accompanied by neck sagging.
Impact: Jawline laxity disrupts facial harmony, making the face appear older and less defined. Jowls can also exaggerate the appearance of a double chin, even in fit individuals.
Spa 35 Solutions:
Dermal Fillers (Juvéderm Volux, Restylane Lyft): These robust fillers add structure to the jawline, counteracting sagging and defining the chin. Volux, designed for lower-face contouring, lasts up to 18 months, with 90% of patients reporting a sharper jawline (2023 study).
Sublative RF: This radiofrequency treatment tightens skin by stimulating collagen and elastin production, reducing jowl laxity. Spa 35 patients typically need 3–4 sessions, with results lasting 12–18 months.
CO2 Skin Resurfacing: For more significant laxity, CO2 laser resurfacing at Spa 35 tightens skin and improves texture, with 80% of patients seeing a lifted jawline after one session (2023 data).
Why Act Now? Early intervention with fillers or RF prevents jowls from worsening, reducing the need for surgical neck lifts in your 60s or 70s.
4. Collagen, Elastin, and Hyaluronic Acid Decreases: The Skin’s Support System
Collagen, elastin, and hyaluronic acid (HA) are the trifecta of youthful skin, but their production plummets with age. The PMC8438644 study notes that collagen declines by 1–2% per year after age 30, elastin fibers weaken, and HA levels drop, leading to thinner, less elastic skin. This causes wrinkles, sagging, and dryness, particularly around the eyes and mouth.
Impact: Reduced collagen and elastin result in crepey skin and deep lines, while HA loss leaves skin dehydrated and less plump. These changes flatten the face and exacerbate volume loss.
Spa 35 Solutions:
Microneedling with PRP: This treatment uses tiny needles to stimulate collagen and elastin, with Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) enhancing results. Spa 35 patients see 20–30% smoother skin after 3–6 sessions.
Sculptra: By triggering collagen production, Sculptra restores skin firmness and thickness, with results lasting up to 2 years.
Hyaluronic Acid Fillers: Juvéderm and Restylane fillers replenish HA, plumping skin and smoothing wrinkles. A single treatment can last 6–24 months, depending on the product.
CO2 Skin Resurfacing and Sublative RF: Both stimulate collagen and elastin, tightening skin and reducing fine lines. CO2 is ideal for deeper wrinkles, while Sublative RF offers minimal downtime.
Medical-Grade Skincare (Obagi): Obagi’s retinol, vitamin C, and HA serums boost collagen and hydration at home. A 2023 survey found 85% of Obagi users saw improved skin texture after 3 months.
Why Act Now? Stimulating collagen and elastin in your 30s or 40s preserves skin integrity, delaying sagging and wrinkles for a smoother complexion in your 60s.
5. The Triangle of Beauty: Shifting Proportions
The “triangle of beauty” is a hallmark of youthful facial proportions, where the widest part of the face is at the cheeks, tapering to a defined chin, forming an inverted triangle. The PMC8438644 study explains that aging flips this triangle, with volume loss in the mid-face and fat accumulation in the lower face creating a bottom-heavy, rectangular shape.
Impact: A reversed triangle—flatter cheeks, heavier jowls, and a less defined jawline—ages the face, making it look tired or stern. This shift is driven by bone loss, fat pad migration, and skin laxity.
Spa 35 Solutions:
Dermal Fillers (Voluma, Contour): Restore the triangle by lifting cheeks and defining the chin. A 2023 study showed 88% of Voluma patients regained youthful proportions for 18–24 months.
Sculptra: Gradually rebuilds mid-face volume, recreating the inverted triangle over 6–12 months.
Botox and Dysport: Relax muscles causing frown lines and crow’s feet, opening the eyes and softening the lower face for a balanced look. Results last 3–4 months, with 90% of patients reporting a refreshed appearance (2023 data).
Sublative RF and CO2 Resurfacing: Tighten skin to support the triangle’s structure, reducing jowls and enhancing contours.
Why Act Now? Maintaining the triangle of beauty preserves facial harmony, ensuring you look vibrant and youthful well into your later years.
Additional Insights from Aging Research
The PMC8438644 study provides critical insights for understanding facial aging and guiding treatment:
Extrinsic Factors: Sun exposure, smoking, and poor diet accelerate bone loss, fat pad atrophy, and collagen degradation. Daily SPF 30+ and a nutrient-rich diet can slow these effects.
Hormonal Impact: Menopause and andropause reduce estrogen and testosterone, thinning skin and weakening bones. HRT at Spa 35 counteracts these changes, improving skin quality and vitality.
Cumulative Damage: Aging is progressive, with changes compounding over decades. Early intervention (in your 30s or 40s) yields better outcomes than corrective treatments later.
Psychological Benefits: Aesthetic treatments boost self-esteem, with 85% of patients reporting higher confidence post-treatment (2023 study).
These insights underscore the importance of proactive care, which Spa 35 delivers through personalized, science-backed solutions.
Comprehensive Spa 35 Solutions for Facial Aging
At Spa 35, we offer a full spectrum of services to address every aspect of facial aging, tailored to your unique needs. Here’s how our treatments tackle specific concerns:
Volume Restoration
Dermal Fillers (Juvéderm, Restylane): Instantly plump cheeks, lips, and under-eyes, lasting 6–24 months. Costs range from $600–$900 per syringe.
Sculptra: Stimulates collagen for gradual volume, ideal for hollow cheeks and temples. Expect 2–4 sessions, with results lasting up to 2 years.
Skin Tightening and Lifting
Sublative RF: Non-invasive radiofrequency tightens skin and boosts collagen, perfect for jawline laxity and fine lines. 3–4 sessions deliver results lasting 12–18 months.
CO2 Skin Resurfacing: Resurfaces skin for dramatic tightening and wrinkle reduction, with 1–2 sessions yielding results for 1–2 years.
Frax 1550nm: Stimulates production of Collagen, Elastin and Hyluronic Acid in a “lunchtime” treatment that creates minimal downtime.
Wrinkle Reduction
Botox and Dysport: Relax muscles causing crow’s feet, frown lines, and forehead creases. Treatments cost $10–$15 per unit, lasting 3–4 months.
Microneedling with PRP: Smooths fine lines and improves texture, with 3–6 sessions for optimal results.
Tretinoin (Vitamin A): Prescription grade Retinoic Acid has been clinically shown to increase collagen production.
Pigmentation and Texture
IPL (Intense Pulsed Light): Targets age spots, redness, and uneven tone, with 3–4 sessions for a clearer complexion. Results last 6–12 months with maintenance.
Chemical Peels: Exfoliate to reveal smoother, brighter skin, reducing sun damage and scars. Light peels require no downtime, while medium peels offer deeper results.
Hormonal and Overall Health
Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT): Balances estrogen, testosterone, or DHEA to improve skin hydration, thickness, and bone health. HRT includes consultations and lab analysis, with monthly costs varying.
GLP-1 Medications: Support weight loss and metabolic health, enhancing facial contours by reducing excess fat. Results appear over 6–12 months.
At-Home Skincare
Obagi Products: Retinol, vitamin C, and SPF 30+ serums boost collagen, hydrate, and protect skin. A 2023 survey found 85% of users saw brighter, firmer skin after 3 months.
Custom Regimens: Our estheticians design daily routines to complement in-office treatments, ensuring long-lasting results.
The Spa 35 Experience: Personalized, Professional, Empowering
Since 2006, Spa 35 has been Boise’s premier medical spa, earning 5-star reviews for our expertise and client-centered care. Here’s why we’re your trusted partner:
Expert Team: Our Nurse Practitioners, like Missy Maclean, and Medical Estheticians are trained in advanced techniques, ensuring safe, natural results.
Cutting-Edge Technology: From CO2 lasers to Sublative RF, we use state-of-the-art tools for optimal outcomes.
Personalized Plans: Every treatment is tailored to your skin type, concerns, and goals, with free consultations to explore your options.
Discreet, Welcoming Environment: Our modern facility offers private rooms, easy parking, and a warm, no-pressure vibe.
Our clients love the confidence boost from treatments like Voluma, Botox, and HRT. Whether you’re addressing early signs of aging or seeking a full-face refresh, Spa 35 delivers results that shine.
Sample Anti-Aging Plan for Your 40s or 50s
Here’s a tailored plan to combat facial aging, customizable during your Spa 35 consultation:
Every 3–4 Months: Botox (20–40 units) for crow’s feet and frown lines.
Every 6–12 Months: Restylane Lyft (2–4 syringes) for cheek volume and jawline definition. A rule of thumb is one syringe of filler for each decade of life.
Spring/Fall: IPL (3 sessions) for age spots, Sublative RF (3 sessions) for jawline tightening.
Every 4–6 Weeks: Microneedling with PRP (4 sessions) for collagen boost.
Ongoing: HRT for skin and bone health.
Daily: Obagi skincare (retinol, vitamin C, SPF).
As Needed: Sculptra (2–4 sessions) for gradual volume.
As Needed: CO2 resurfacing for deep wrinkles.
This plan minimizes downtime and builds results over time, ensuring you look radiant for events or everyday life.
The Emotional and Psychological Benefits
Aging gracefully isn’t just about looking good—it’s about feeling empowered. Spa 35’s treatments offer:
Boosted Confidence: Smoother skin, fuller cheeks, and a defined jawline make you feel polished and vibrant.
Youthful Energy: HRT and fillers restore vitality, helping you feel as young as you look.
Event-Ready Glow: Look stunning for reunions, weddings, or milestones with treatments that enhance your natural beauty.
One client shared,
“After Voluma and HRT at Spa 35, I feel like my 40-year-old self again. My face looks lifted, and I’m full of energy!”
That’s the transformation we’re passionate about.
Start Your Journey to Radiant Aging Today
Don’t let facial aging dim your sparkle. At Spa 35, we’re here to help you embrace every stage of life with confidence, using science-backed treatments that restore your youthful glow. Whether you’re battling bone loss, sagging skin, or volume depletion, our personalized solutions—fillers, Sculptra, Botox, HRT, and more—deliver results that last. Take the first step toward your most radiant self by booking a free consultation today. Call, text, or schedule online at Spa35.com. Our expert team will craft a plan tailored to your unique needs, ensuring you look and feel vibrant for years to come. Join the thousands of Boise clients who’ve transformed their faces and confidence at Spa 35. Your journey to graceful aging starts now—let’s make it unforgettable!
Ready to make your best self a reality?
Want help creating a personalized, long-term treatment plan? Spa 35 offers complimentary consultations to help you explore your options with expert guidance.
Call or text (208) 367-0700 to schedule your free consultation, or use the button below to book online.
