What is this indented line on my upper cheeks? What procedures would correct them? (photo)

Question

I am a 21 year old male and and have these lines (see photo attached) on my upper cheek/ under eye. They are more promenint depending on the angle and lighting. They are on both of my cheeks however one side appears to be more prominent. I have done some research and deduced what i think they may be but would like a professional opinion. Can this issue be treated and what treatment would be most effective? Thank you.

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

"I suggest reaching out to an expert for a formal consultation. I like to recommend my patients start a combination of facial rejuvenation treatments.

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

Best, Dr. Emer."

Mehdi Sina, MD · Answer

Hi,The skin of the face has tight attachments to the underlying fascia and bone that are referred to as the facial retaining ligaments. The areas where the ligaments attach to the skin become anchoring points and once you lose a little volume in the face, the skin gets retracted slightly and you start to see the lines. The best treatment early on is to add some volume back with dermal fillers. In advanced cases, surgery is required to cut the ligaments and redrape the skin over the underlying soft tissues (face lift).Best,Mehdi Sina, MD

Shaun Patel, MD · Answer

This is caused by underlying ligaments and volume loss. In my opinion, it is hard to completely correct without surgery but you will see some improvement by adding some volume to your cheeks using filler.

Daniel Chang, MSc, MBBS, MRCS · Answer

Dear Ucaz,
Thank you for your question. This is the midcheek groove and it happens for both lifestyle and genetic reasons.
It is best corrected with dermal fillers. The other option is fat grafting.
Hope this helps.
Dr Daniel Chang

Maria Milone, MBBS · Answer

Thankyou for your question. This is a very common problem we see in our clinic. It is a line that appears  along the course of a ligament in our face that holds various fat compartments in place.
As we loose volume in these fat compartments and our bony features change with age , these ligament lines are exposed and can cause a tired or sad look to the face.
Replacing volume loss carefully and strategically with dermal filler can improve this line restoring a healthy, refreshed look . The volume loss that needs to be addressed is in the area we call the midface and extends from next to the nose and out to the sides along the cheek bones.
The results are instant and improve over a few days to weeks as the dermal filler settles.

What is this indented line on my upper cheeks? What procedures would correct them? (photo)

Answers (6)

Answer: Midcheek groove correction | Ask Dr Daniel Chang

Answer: Midcheek groove correction | Ask Dr Daniel Chang

Answer: Line along cheek lines

Answer: Line along cheek lines

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Cheek Fillers

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

What is this indented line on my upper cheeks? What procedures would correct them? (photo)

Answers (6)

Answer: Midcheek groove correction | Ask Dr Daniel Chang

Answer: Midcheek groove correction | Ask Dr Daniel Chang

Answer: Line along cheek lines

Answer: Line along cheek lines

Browse related questions

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Cheek Fillers

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