Can this area of my cheeks be filled? (Photo)

Question

I would like to restore some volume in my face. My cheeks have lost volume and it’s the most visible on 3/4 view. Last winter I went to a plastic surgeon known in my city for “facial contouring” but she totally missed the mark. She filled the area above my cheekbones and my jaw for some reason, and that made things worse. She used radiesse but thankfully it’s not very visible now. Can the area in the pictures be filled again? Jaluronic acid or sculptra?

Anna Chacon, MD, FAAD · Answer

Yes, the area of your cheeks shown in the photo can absolutely be addressed with fillers, and you’re not alone in seeking correction after a less-than-ideal first experience.

From your description and photo, it appears that the midface or lateral cheek volume loss is most noticeable, especially in the ¾ view. This is a common area to experience age-related fat loss or contour changes. Unfortunately, when volume is placed too high (above the cheekbone) or too low (along the jawline) without proper midface support, it can distort facial proportions — as you've experienced.

Filler Options:
1. Hyaluronic Acid Fillers (e.g., Restylane Lyft, Voluma):

These are great for restoring volume to the midface and cheeks with precision.

Reversible, which is an advantage if adjustments are needed.

Provide lift and structure when injected into the correct anatomic plane (typically deep on bone).

Effects are immediate and typically last 12–18 months.

2. Sculptra (Poly-L-Lactic Acid):

Works differently by stimulating collagen production gradually over weeks to months.

Ideal for diffuse volume loss or patients seeking a more natural, gradual improvement.

Results last longer (up to 2 years), but it's not reversible and requires a series of treatments.

Considerations:
Either option can be effective, depending on the degree of volume loss, your facial anatomy, and your preference for immediate vs. gradual results.

After a less optimal result with Radiesse, which is non-reversible and best suited for deep structural support, you may find hyaluronic acid fillers to be more predictable and correctable.

Final Thoughts:
Yes, your cheeks can be carefully and artfully filled, but it's critical that the injector understands facial proportions and midface contouring. The goal should be restoring harmony to the cheek volume and avoiding overfilling areas that don’t need it.

Make sure your provider evaluates your face from multiple angles and uses a filler with appropriate lift capacity for the midface. A conservative, layered approach is best — less is often more.

Nelson Lee Novick, MD · Answer

At least from the photos provided, it seems like a rather routine and relatively easy result to achieve using an appropriately robust HA contouring filler and the proper injection technique. You would be wise to consult with a board certified cosmetic dermatologist filler expert. Hope this helps and best of luck.

Leonard Grossman, MD · Answer

The single best way to add volume to anywhere on the face is with your own fat. In the hands of a plastic surgeon who is proficient in such procedures, the results should be extremely natural and practically permanent.  I hope this helps and good luck from Leonard Grossman, M. D. organic Plastic Surgery in New York.

Can this area of my cheeks be filled? (Photo)

Answers (3)

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.

Can this area of my cheeks be filled? (Photo)

Answers (3)

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.