Lipoatrophy refers to an abnormal loss of body fat, most notably the fat immediately beneath the skin (subcutaneous fat). Lipoatrophy of the face is the primary topic of this lesson, but it can also occur in the arms, legs, buttocks, and around the waist.
One of the most prominent features of facial lipoatrophy is sunken cheeks ? cheeks that have lost their fullness and appear hollow. Mild facial lipoatrophy may be barely noticeable to the person experiencing it and unnoticeable to other people. If the lipoatrophy worsens, the outlines of the facial muscles can be seen and felt through the skin. Here's an example:
Facial lipoatrophy can also cause diminished fat around the nose and mouth ? the nasolabial region. This can cause deep folds in the skin to form, particularly when smiling or chewing.
The fat that fills out the temples, on the sides of the forehead, and the eye sockets can also be affected by lipoatrophy. When fat in these parts of the face becomes diminished, it can result in a skeletal appearance.
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