Doctors: what can I do to fill out my buccal area hollows when I don't want any cheek implants/fat grafting or Voluma?

Question

I am out of hope and options here. Cheek implants look unnatural and I dont want the risk of infections and what not. Fat transfer comes with risks too due to my excessive weight gain and loss. I hear horror stories about voluma being placed in buccal area. Many doctors say voluma should not be placed there. I want full round baby cheeks and the buccal area is important for that, it needs to be full but I am not sure what my options are anymore. I really want to have my chipmunk cheeks.

James M. Economides, MD, FACS · Answer

I understand your concerns about the various options for achieving fuller, rounder "baby cheeks," especially given the conflicting advice and risks associated with different treatments. Here's a breakdown of the available options and alternatives that might help you achieve the look you want, focusing on safe and effective solutions for your goals.

1. Cheek Fillers (Hyaluronic Acid-Based):
Voluma or Restylane Lyft: While Voluma is commonly used for cheek augmentation, it is true that some practitioners avoid placing it directly in the buccal area because it can create an unnatural or overfilled look in this region. However, fillers like Voluma or Restylane Lyft can still be used in the midface or cheekbones to create a more rounded appearance if done conservatively.
Pros: Reversible with hyaluronidase, immediate results, customizable for a natural look.
Cons: Temporary, with results lasting 12-18 months, and should be done by an expert injector to avoid the "puffy" or unnatural appearance.
2. Fat Transfer:
Fat Grafting: While you're understandably hesitant about fat transfer due to weight fluctuations, fat grafting can still be an option. When done by an experienced surgeon, fat can be precisely injected into the buccal and cheek areas to achieve the fuller, rounder look you want.
Pros: Long-lasting (potentially permanent) results, natural-looking fullness.
Cons: Some of the fat may not survive the transfer, and there's a small risk of asymmetry. Weight changes can affect the fat graft over time, but results can be stable with weight maintenance.
3. Combination Approach:
Cheek Filler with Buccal Fat Preservation: Instead of focusing on the buccal area directly, a skilled injector could use fillers in the malar region (the upper part of the cheek) to lift and enhance the natural cheek contour. This combined with minimal filler in the lower cheek could give the full, round appearance without overfilling.
Pros: More control over the outcome and ability to blend volume throughout the face.
Cons: Requires a highly skilled injector to balance the look.
4. Sculptra:
Collagen Stimulator: While you mentioned fat transfer as a concern, another option is Sculptra, which works by stimulating collagen production in the injected areas. It’s not an immediate filler, but it gradually builds volume and can give a more natural, long-lasting result.
Pros: Gradual and natural volume increase, long-lasting (up to 2 years or more).
Cons: Takes multiple sessions to see results, and it’s not reversible like hyaluronic acid fillers.

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

For unique cases where a variety of modalities could be used to treat the condition, I would suggest an in-person or virtual consultation to develop a custom and effective treatment plan.  It is difficult to precisely define the best option without collecting the same information. I suggest reaching out to an expert for a consultation with surgical and non-surgical methods to get a comprehensive option. Best, Dr. Emer.

Zoran Potparic, MD · Answer

It seems that your fear is based on very strange data? All procedures above, when properly used in well selected patients, should have minimal side effects/complications. Selection of right tprocedure will depend on your clinical presentation and your goals. In-person evaluation and discussion about your options with an experienced board certified plastic surgeon would help to better understand soft tissue augmentation including correction of buccal areas. Good luck.

Michael I. Echavez, MD · Answer

There are several treatments options to help add volume to the cheeks, besides cheek implants and fat transfer.  Voluma is one injectable filler that could be used, but there are others as well.  These would include Sculptra, Bellafill and Radiesse.  In regards to cheek implants, there are several styles and sizes and these can be used to produce a natural appearance.  These implants can appear unnatural if the incorrect style or size is used or if the placement of them is not ideal.

Tae Ho Kim, MD · Answer

You are right to be concerned about the options you have researched out.  Voluma is not a good filler for the buccal area of the cheek or the anterior cheeks.  The potential of looking swollen and fake is pretty high.  Fat grafting is not a bad option but recovery takes longer without any assurance that fat graft survival will be even on both sides.  Sculptra is what I use for improving cheek volume in the buccal area of the cheeks and the anterior cheeks.  Sculptra works by stimulating your body to make collagen and therefore can give you a natural improvement of volume in the cheeks.  I recommend that you get an opinion by a board certified plastic surgeon with a lot of experience with fillers.  Good luck!

Doctors: what can I do to fill out my buccal area hollows when I don't want any cheek implants/fat grafting or Voluma?

Answers (5)

Answer: Treatment options to fill out hollow areas of cheeks

Answer: Treatment options to fill out hollow areas of cheeks

Answer: Sculptra would be best option.

Answer: Sculptra would be best option.

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.

Doctors: what can I do to fill out my buccal area hollows when I don't want any cheek implants/fat grafting or Voluma?

Answers (5)

Answer: Treatment options to fill out hollow areas of cheeks

Answer: Treatment options to fill out hollow areas of cheeks

Answer: Sculptra would be best option.

Answer: Sculptra would be best option.

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.