I have a flat mid face. What should I do to make aesthetic improvements?

Hi! Dr. Peterson here —
A flat midface can make the face look less lifted or youthful, and the goal of treatment is usually adding volume and support rather than removing anything. Common approaches include: • Dermal fillers: Hyaluronic acid or calcium hydroxylapatite (Radiesse) can restore volume in the cheeks, under the eyes, and along the midface to create a natural lift. • Biostimulatory fillers: Sculptra, for example, gradually stimulates collagen and can improve overall midface contour over time. • Fat grafting: For longer-lasting results, fat can be transferred from another part of your body to the midface, though this is more invasive.
The key is to approach it as facial balancing, not just filling one area. A consultation with a board-certified dermatologist or dermatologic surgeon who specializes in facial aesthetics can help you choose the best combination to restore harmony and lift while keeping your results natural.

Hello! My name is Jessica, I am a physician assistant, and one of the providers at Aesthetic Skin - Winnetka & Chicago. This is a great question. If you have a flat midface—a common concern, especially with aging or certain facial structures—there are definitely aesthetic strategies that can help bring more definition, lift, and balance to your appearance. One of the most effective non-surgical options is cheek filler, particularly using a structural filler like Voluma or Restylane Contour, placed in the lateral and mid-cheek area. This can help restore or enhance the natural cheekbone structure, support the under-eye area, and subtly lift the lower face, including nasolabial folds and jowls. The goal isn't puffiness, but rather contour and support that mimics youthful bone structure. I hope this helps and best of luck!

Robust HA fillers have been used for many years to shape and contour the face and have a long history of safety and efficacy for use this way (and for many other purposes, as well). Restylane Contour is one such HA filler, as an example, and there are several others.
In the hands of an experienced, board certified cosmetic dermatologist filler injection expert, a more rounded, contoured central face can be relatively easily established using these fillers--typically in one treatment session with usually on-the-spot results and little to no significant downtime. Hope this helps and best of luck.

This is not. You could get cheek augmentation done with fat, fillers, or a permanent implant. All of that is done right in the office and takes less than 30 minutes.

Thank you for your question. A flat midface, typically referring to a lack of forward projection in the cheek and under-eye area, can affect overall facial harmony and contour. Based on the image you've provided, here are some aesthetic considerations and options to improve midface definition:

1. Dermal Fillers for Midface Volumization
Hyaluronic acid fillers (e.g., Juvederm Voluma, Restylane Lyft) can restore volume to the:

Cheekbones (malar area)

Under-eye hollows (tear troughs)

Strategic placement helps lift the midface, creating a more youthful contour and better facial proportions.

2. Contour Enhancement
Enhancing zygomatic (cheekbone) projection can help balance the lower face and soften the appearance of a flat or wide jawline.

Fillers can be used along the lateral cheek sweep (which your image markings suggest) to create a gentle lift.

3. Chin and Jawline Balancing
A mild enhancement of the chin with filler can improve facial balance when the midface is relatively flat.

Jawline contouring may also be considered to streamline and define the lower third.

4. Skin Texture and Tone Improvements
Addressing pigmentation, dullness, or scarring (visible on your lower cheeks and jawline) can further enhance overall appearance.

Treatments like chemical peels, microneedling, or laser resurfacing can help even out skin tone and texture.

5. Facial Exercises or Lifting Devices
While minimally effective compared to injectables, tools like microcurrent devices or facial massage may offer subtle improvement over time by stimulating circulation and tone.

Summary:
To address a flat midface and improve facial harmony, the most effective, non-surgical approach is targeted dermal filler treatment to enhance cheek volume and lift. This can be combined with improvements to skin texture and pigmentation for a more refreshed appearance.