Volume loss in the cheeks, dark circles appeared & nasolabial folds more pronounced. What to do?

Question

Five years ago, I lost 15-20 pounds rapidly (within three months) after starting crossfit. I loss facial volume in the cheeks, dark circles appeared, and my nasolabial folds became more pronounced. Since then, I have regained my weight, but my face has never returned to its previous state. I would like to know what could be done to improve it? Budget is not a concern. I prefer a permanent solution with the least amount of risk possible. I would appreciate to have your opinions.

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

Facial sculpting and contouring can be created with well-placed fillers (Voluma, Countour, Radiesse, Bellafill) and Sculptra, which would give improvement in facial balance. Fat or implants are alternatives. I recommend getting a formal evaluation with a facial sculpting expert. Best, Dr. Emer

Michelle Zweifler, MD · Answer

There are several options for restoring facial volume loss including hyaluronic acid fillers (temporary), biostimulatory fillers, fat grafting and surgery.
With fat grating, a small area undergoes liposuction to harvest the fat then it's transferred to the face,  At least a third of the fat transferred survives.  There is also a biostimulatory fat injectable off the shelve Renuva that may have up to 70% take.  
Surgery includes a cheek lift or facelift to reposition the cheek and help restore facial contour.

Nelson Lee Novick, MD · Answer

About fifteen years back, with our increasing understanding of the anatomy of facial aging, we realized that volume deficit in the upper cheek region was a major contributor to the development of the tear troughs and bags under the eyes as well as a major player in the formation of the smile lines and jowls below.  And since the upper cheeks are such a major support to the infraorbital region above and to the nasolabial lines below, sophisticated, experienced injectors, when addressing tear trough issues and smile lines, typically look first to using a robust HA volumizing filler to revolumize the cheeks. Not uncommonly, this may be all that is needed to remedy these issues. But, if still necessary, a low viscosity, cohesive, malleable HA filler may be then directly injected into the tear trough regions and a robust HA lifting filler for the nasolabial folds can be used to further refine the aesthetic effects. If you are looking for a permanent solution, you will really not find one, since the aging process involves a relentless loss of the underlying fat, muscle, bone, etc., so that no "permanent" treatment, whether surgery, "bells and whistles" lasers or RF devices or otherwise, can really give a truly permanent result--only one that may last a few years, much like fillers, before the next intervention will be required.  You would be wise to  to consult with an experienced, board certified cosmetic dermatology injector, since the kind of injections required here should not be left to the hands of novice injectors accustomed to using plain Juvederm or simple Restylane for treating smile lines. Hope this helps. Best of luck.

Volume loss in the cheeks, dark circles appeared & nasolabial folds more pronounced. What to do?

Answers (3)

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Volume loss in the cheeks, dark circles appeared & nasolabial folds more pronounced. What to do?

Answers (3)

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Everything you need to know about Cheek Lift

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