Ripples on cheek since 22. Any suggestions? (photos)

Question

I am 26 now. Since 23 I had ripples form when I smile that go up my cheek. I am not a sun person so I don't think it's sun damaged. Looks like pores connecting into small dashes they are present at rest as just little stretch pore not full lines. Do I have a collagen disorde? can get a filler in this area? When I push my finger inside my cheek , I see ripples and lines, but they are not there at rest. I have fair skin, but Spanish in my blood. Never been tanned and never been burned. Thank you!

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.

Nelson Lee Novick, MD · Answer

I literally just treated a much older woman this morning with a much more prominent case of the ripples you describe. While they are not uncommon in certain persons with aging, they are in my experience very uncommon in your age bracket. That having been said, I have found that the use of injectable Skin Boosters (usually takes two to four treatment sessions spaced at two to four week intervals) injected superficially beneath the area in a fanlike fashion to be helpful in significantly improving this problem. Tiny intradermal droplets of diliuted Botox injected throughout the region have also proven helpful in many cases for supplementing the booster therapy. Usually only one such treatment session (which can be combined with the booster treatments) is needed.In my Israel satellite facility, where a far greater number of regulatory agency approved injectable fillers are available, a product made specifically for this purpose, Restylane Skin Boosters, is my agent of choice.  In my Upper East Side Manhattan practice, I typically opt for Restylane Silk or diluted Restylane L for this purpose.Be sure to consult with a board certified aesthetic physician with experience in treating this problem, as this is a more advanced injection technique than common filling of smile lines.

Samuel Baharestani, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for sharing your case and photos.  There are several different options for treating your condition.  Usually, fillers like Juvederm or Restylane are the best place to start, but there's no substitute for an in-office consultation to fully evaluate your goals.  We often see patients with your condition in our practice.  Good luck!

Tae Ho Kim, MD · Answer

What you are seeing is the movement of the skin with attachments to the underlying muscle. So, when you smile you will notice this.  The idea of fillers in this area of your face at your age is not a good one.  Be careful!  If you start on this path you will look a little strange.  If you are want to see a doctor for this, see a board certified plastic surgeon.  Good luck!

Ripples on cheek since 22. Any suggestions? (photos)

Answers (4)

Answer: Don't do anything.

Answer: Don't do anything.

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Everything you need to know about Cheek Fillers

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

Ripples on cheek since 22. Any suggestions? (photos)

Answers (4)

Answer: Don't do anything.

Answer: Don't do anything.

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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.