Smile folds, my face is starting to look gaunt on the lower half. (photo)

Question

Hi, I'm 29. I don't really have any wrinkles but as I've got older I've become slimmer (underweight but not through choice - genetics) and my face is starting to look gaunt on the lower half. I have rather hollow eyes which are genetic but I'm more concerned with lines or fold around my mouth area as seen here. Would filler help? I don't want to look strange though.

Hooman Khorasani, MD · Answer

Thank you for the question.  Injectable biodegradable fillers are excellent solutions to volume loss in the temple and lower face (e.g. a gaunt or skeletal face).  Injectable biodegradable fillers are placed more deeply in these areas rather than just under the skin.  This deeper injections extend the life of the filler, because the body does not metabolize it as quickly.  Keep in mind that, although it creates a longer-lasting effect, this method does increase your chance of bruising. 
As always, an in-person consultation with a board certified dermatologist with cosmetic training is the best way to assess your needs and provide medical advice.

Nelson Lee Novick, MD · Answer

What you are calling gaunt appears from the photo to be some flatting of the cheeks and in the volume loss mid cheek regions. When this occurs above the lower face begins to show changes of wrinkles and furrows, which I believe from the photo is evident in its incipient stages. To improve this volumizing fillers, such as Voluma XC, may be used to accent and augment the cheeks (improving midfacial contour), which should secondarily (by virtue of increasing projection and upward pull) improve the problems you are beginning to notice and be bothered by in the lower face.

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

My suggestion is see someone who specializes in fillers and lasers.  You likely would do well with thermage, clear and brilliant, and fillers.  With the right placement you can get lift and the other devices will give you better texture/tone as well as tighten.  Best, Dr. Emer.

Steven Wallach, MD · Answer

Using facial fillers can be a great way to improve the issues that you seem to be complaining about. Best of luck.

Jo Herzog, MD · Answer

I think that you look just fine but if the smile lines bother you you can either use filler into the lines or in mid-face. I  usually prefer the approach that involves pulling up rather than filling but you might do fine with just a little filling and can always do more later. What you need to be doing is making sure to wear sunscreen every day, starting now.

Smile folds, my face is starting to look gaunt on the lower half. (photo)

Answers (7)

Answer: Fillers for facial rejuvenation

Answer: Fillers for facial rejuvenation

Answer: Gaunt lower face?

Answer: Gaunt lower face?

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Dermal Fillers

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.

Smile folds, my face is starting to look gaunt on the lower half. (photo)

Answers (7)

Answer: Fillers for facial rejuvenation

Answer: Fillers for facial rejuvenation

Answer: Gaunt lower face?

Answer: Gaunt lower face?

Browse related questions

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Dermal Fillers

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.