Cheek volume loss at 23 years old? (Photos)

Question

Hello, I am only 23 but I seem to have some significant volume loss in my cheeks. My nasolabial folds have been prominent since I was a teenager, but are worse now. My cheeks have a saggy, jowly appearance. Underneath my cheekbone my cheeks have a hollow, and this hollow becomes very obvious whenever I open my mouth, giving me a gaunt appearance. Do you think these issues are from volume loss? Would fat grafting be a good option? Or filler? Would filling the cheek hollows be a good idea? Thanks.

Michael A. Persky, MD · Answer

Hi PurpleK,
I would treat you with a small amount of Sculptra, a biostimulatory volumizer.  Sculptra is more predictable than fat.  Fat transfer in young patients is not prudent.  The other filler that you may consider is RHA-3.  The most important aspect of your treatment is making sure to choose your injecting physician very carefully.  Feel free to contact me with any other questions or concerns, or to scheudule a virtual or inperson consult.  Good luck and be well.

Michael Persky, MD
Encino, CA

Mats Hagstrom, MD (license on probation) · Answer

The changes you are describing are simply the difference between being 23 years old and whatever age you are comparing yourself to. If you want to get an idea of what’s to come and take a look at your parents.

Working with fillers is an excellent idea. I would be apprehensive about doing fat transfer at your age. If you don’t like the outcome then you will be more or less stuck with the fat that survives. Add a minimum work with fillers until you have a good understanding of what volume enhancement does and make sure that you like it. You can find a provider who has a solid track record for fat transfer and work with that provider using fillers until do you feel like taking a more permanent approach.

Poorly done facial fat transfer it’s a problem far worse than what you have now.

Best,

Mats Hagstrom MD

Cheek volume loss at 23 years old? (Photos)

Answers (2)