What are my treatment options for hollow cheeks/nasolabial folds? (Photo)

Hi @kelseytierney10! The upper cheek is a major support for the under eyes. I would first begin with addressing the volume loss in the cheeks followed by addressing the tear trough area. Another alternative would be PRP injections. PRP which stands for Platelet Rich Plasma is a natural and non-surgical solution to treat under eye circles and bags. PRP is highly effective for restoring sunken eyes. Generally, two vials of blood will be collected from the patient and placed into a centrifuge. The centrifuge spins and separates the platelets from the rest of the blood components. The plasma contains the valuable collagen and growth factors from the rest of the blood's components. The plasma is then drawn up into a syringe and injected in the tear trough area. Typically, 3 sessions is adequate for optimal results.

A combination of procedures could be considered to address the hollowing of the lid cheek junction as well as the deep nasolabial folds. Sculptra is a great product to use in hollowing areas of the face, such as the deep nasolabial folds. This injectable is composed of poly-L-lactic acid that stimulates deep collagen production which will allow volume to be restored to the areas that it is dispersed. This injectable is typically done in sessions as it takes 6-8 weeks to see collagen restored to the face. Alternatively, hyaluronic acid fillers may also be used in the areas of concern as this provides more instant gratification. Going forward, I would recommend you to complete multiple in office consultations with board certified injectors to discuss your aesthetic goals. This way, they can work alongside you to determine your best treatment option. Best of luck, Kian Karimi MD, FACS

For facial rejuvenation I would suggest a combination approach including:
1) Skincare with products and microneedling/PRP
2) PDT Light Therapy a few times per month with growth factors
3) Laser treatments like Clear + Brilliant regularly and others (Fraxel, Moxi, Viva, CO2, Erbium, Halo) a few times per year
4) Sculptra injections a few times per year for collagen production with fillers like Juvederm, Restylane, Belotero, Radiesse, and/or Bellafill
5) Thermage/Ultherapy for yearly skin tightening with or without PDO or cone-based Instalift threads for lifting
6) Botox every 2 to 3 months to stop movement lines and prevent lines at rest

See an expert. Best, Dr. Emer​

Thank you for your question. One way to address volume loss would entail fat grafting. Typically fat is harvested from your abdominal area and injected into the cheeks to restore lost volume from aging. Another approach would be facial implants. Typically made from silicone, they can be inserted using an incision on the underside of the upper lip, and they come in various shapes and sizes.

Thank you for your picture and questions. I think that you look like a good candidate for fillers. If you are looking for a more long lasting solution, then I would consider injections with Renuva. This is a stimulatory filler that encourages your body to deposit its own fat in the area of injection. Find a local provider who offers this service. Hope this helps!

Dallas Buchanan, MD
VIVIFY plastic surgery
Tampa, FL

Sculptra works differently from traditional dermal fillers. It’s a unique collagen replenishing treatment that helps to gradually and subtly to stimulate collagen and restore lost volume by helping to replenish the body’s own facial collagen. It can give a fuller, more natural look that can last for up to 2-5 years.Mr Ayham Al-AyoubiFacial Plastic and Laser Surgeon

Hello, and thank you for your inquiry! I think the best option for you based on your photo would be a combination of fillers. I would recommend cheek filler. This will give you more of a heart shaped face. By adding cheek filler it will help soften your nasolabial folds as well. You can also add filler directly into the folds. Another filler option that you may like would be do a little filler into the chin. This will harmonize your profile. Good luck on your journey!

There are several options to address the cheeks and nasolabial folds. HA fillers are the quickest way as the treatment is done in the office and you can see some improvement immediately, with final results seen two weeks later. The results last approximately one year depending on the filler selected. A longer lasting treatment is Sculptra which works differently than HA fillers. I've included a video on it that I hope you find helpful.

Everyone has some degree of nasolabial folds -this is natural and normal, however if you're starting to notice an increase in the folding and flattening of the cheeks it's likely because of collagen and volume loss in the cheek area. Fillers can be great for restoring cheek volume which supports the nasolabial area and can help you look refreshed and well-rested. You're right that filler results are temporary - they can last 12-18 months depending on the product and amount used. Sculptra is a treatment that stimulates your body to rebuild the lost collagen, and would be great in these areas. The results build slowly over time (6-9 months!) so it's a long-term treatment plan and last much longer: 2+ years!

Your hollow cheeks were inherited from your father. But it’s Nobody‘s fault because he inherited them as well. In my opinion the single best way to correct hollow cheeks is with fat grafting. When fat grafting is performed by a plastic surgeon with lots of experience in such techniques, the results are natural and permanent. We have been performing fat grafting since the early 1995 with our patients retaining 100% of injected fat or close to it. I hope this helps and good luck from New York City Plastic Surgery