Solutions for Hollow Cheeks?

It is very important to preserve (or restore) soft tissue volume in the lower lid. When I review with eyelid surgery patients some photographs from their twenties, in most cases we find that years ago there was no visible demarcation between lid and cheek, but instead a smooth, gently convex curve extending downward from the lower lid margin. In patients who have developed deep 'tear troughs' at the junction of the lower lid and cheek, adjacent to the side of the nose, the... more

As we age several things happen to cause the aged look. First, gravity moves the soft tissues, skin, fat etc. down toward the jaw line. This is why we get jowling. The soft tissue of the cheeks is actually located on the lower side of the cheek bone and as it falls the cheek bone is accentuated thus giving that depression. In addition we lose fat as we age. So my first recommendation would be to add fat to your cheek and midface region with fat grafting. This usually takes more than... more

Sus, Plastic surgery patients have many options for sunken, hollow cheeks and the midface area. Although age and sundamage are the biggest contributing factors, many patients on HIV medications have a condition called facial lipodystrophy, which also causes hollow cheeks. Regardless of the exact method, the aesthetic treatment is for cheek indentations is augmentation. Fortunately, one has many options to add volume to sunken cheeks. More temporary injectable fillers, such as Restylane,... more

Hi. You sound like an ideal candidate for non invasive cheek augmentation with skillfully applied Juvederm under the skin.  It lasts nine months or more.

A rounded contour to the area over the cheek bones with an outward flare of the cheeks toward the temples that trails off like the tail of a comet along with a fullness below the eyes in the region closest to the nose are essential elements of the youthful and sensuous central face. Dents, creases, hollows and loss of convexity anywhere in this area signal aging. Cheek implants are of course one possible surgical solution. The use of fillers and volumizing agents, a totally... more

Aging cheeks and indentations in the cheek area can be augmented very nicely with a small cheek implant placed in the gingival sulcus on the inside of the upper lip. These come in different sizes depending upon the patients’ needs, wants, and desires. It can also be removed or exchanged if needed.

Dear Sus, as you can see there are many options. Things to consider are the longevity of the solution, possible downsides, recovery, cost , and other adjunctive procedures- whether they are surgical or non surgical. The key with any of the procedures is that the result looks 'natural' and does not have long term risk. With Warm Regards, Trevor M Born MD

This question has been well addressed and any filler (commercially available or autologous grafts) can essentially be used.: Radiesse Juvederm Ultra or Ultra Plus Restylane or Perlane Sculptra Autologous fat injections or dermal-fat grafts Implants (silicone, polyethylene, PTFE, polypropylene, hydroxyapatite, etc) Depending on the volume required, some may be prohibitively expensive for the volumes required and for maintenance. Also take into account your personal health and fluctuations... more

Injection with fillers is the most practical and efficient way. Different filler materials are available. Fat grafting is one of the most efficient fillers as long as it is injected in the right plan.

Dr Chaboki has listed most of the usual methods to correct sunken cheeks but he failed to mention my favorite, fat grafting. Fat grafting uses your own tissue, fat, to fill in the contours and lasts usually for ever. Even thin people usually have enough fat on their medial thighs. Make sure your surgeon has extensive experience with this technique and can show you pictures of their own work.