Is fat transfer to cheeks effective for hollow cheeks?

I have used several techniques to treat cheeks that have hollowed:


Fat Transfer - a surgical procedure; long lasting

Cheeklift / Facelift - a surgical procedure; possibly insufficient for hollowed cheeks

Radiesse filler - amongst the longest lasting fillers

Sculptra injections - longer lasting volume than Juvederm or Restylane


For truly hollowed cheeks such as you've described, I've seen good-to-great results with Fat Transfer, as well as with injectables such as Sculptra and Radiesse. I do not typically use Radiesse as much as Sculptra, but this is an area where I might choose it. 

Surgical lifting of the cheek can be helpful, often in conjunction with Fat Transfer. I do not recommend cheek implants for true cheek hollowing.

I do not favor the hyaluronic acid fillers such as Juvederm, Perlane or Restylane as they typically don't have a favorable cost to durability benefit.

Your best bet is to consult with a qualified surgeon that has significant experience with fat transfer that can do a full evaluation and show you pictures of patients similar to you. And it may seem obvious, but is always important to ask about and see specific before and after examples of patients that have had the very same procedure in the very area you are considering.

Hope this helps,

Nick Slenkovich, MD FACS

As age, we loose volume in the face and the fat can drop down. To restore volume, fat transfer is probably the best alternative. If the fat has dropped down and now presents as jowls, then a lift is needed. Many time one needs a lift and fat transfer at the same time to restore a youthful look.

Using fat for volume restoration to the cheeks is a great way to restore youthful fullness to an atrophied or deflated area. Consult with several experienced plastic surgeons to find someone with whom you feel comfortable who has consistent results. Thank you for sharing your concerns. Best wishes.