How do I restore this area of cheek volume loss? Is Sculptra a good option? (Photos)

Question

Had cheek liposuction about 2-3 years ago. Have always had chubby cheeks so the surgeon recommended cheek liposuction that really only went to my mid cheek (did not touch by buccal). Started noticing about 9 months ago a smile line on each side of my cheeks that really make whatever fat pad (if that’s what it is) really pronounced and noticed the starting of jowls. What can I do to help this? Was looking into sculptra

Anna Chacon, MD, FAAD · Answer

Sculptra (poly-L-lactic acid) is a good option for restoring cheek volume loss after liposuction, but other options such as hyaluronic acid fillers and autologous fat grafting (lipofilling) are also effective and commonly used.

For cheek volume loss following liposuction, the main restorative options include:

Injectable fillers (such as Sculptra, hyaluronic acid fillers)
Autologous fat grafting (lipofilling)
Biostimulatory agents (such as Profhilo Structura)
Sculptra (poly-L-lactic acid) is a biostimulatory filler that works by stimulating collagen production, gradually restoring volume and improving skin texture over several months. It is particularly well-suited for diffuse, generalized volume loss and is widely used for facial lipoatrophy and post-liposuction contour irregularities. Sculptra is not a traditional filler that provides immediate volume; instead, it induces your own tissue to gradually thicken and fill the area over a series of treatments.

Autologous fat grafting is another highly effective option, especially for larger or more pronounced volume deficits. Fat is harvested from another area of the body and injected into the cheeks. This method is biocompatible and can provide natural, long-lasting results, but the degree of fat survival is variable and may require multiple sessions.

Hyaluronic acid fillers (such as Juvederm Voluma, Restylane Lyft) provide immediate results and are also commonly used for cheek augmentation, but may not last as long as Sculptra or fat grafting.

Profhilo Structura is a newer product designed to restore adipose tissue in the lateral cheek compartment and has shown efficacy in volume restoration, but is less established than Sculptra or fat grafting.

"Facial volumetric correction includes surgical and dermatological procedures such as adipose transfer and injectable dermal fillers... A patient's own fat tissue seems to be ideal tissue filler for it does not cause allergic reactions, is biocompatible and potentially persistent... A more commonly-used technique of fat grafting is an autologous fat transfer. The main benefit of this option is that the whole procedure is relatively simple to perform, does not require the patient to stay in the hospital and is followed by a short period of convalescence. This method has been successfully used for volumetric correction of the facial lipoatrophy..."

"For areas with significant volume loss like the lateral cheek hollows, enhancing volume with fillers or fat grafting prior to thread lifting is recommended..."

In summary: Sculptra is a good option for restoring cheek volume loss after liposuction, especially for gradual, natural-looking improvement. Fat grafting and hyaluronic acid fillers are also effective alternatives, each with their own advantages and limitations. The choice depends on the extent of volume loss, desired longevity, and patient preference.

How do I restore this area of cheek volume loss? Is Sculptra a good option? (Photos)

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How do I restore this area of cheek volume loss? Is Sculptra a good option? (Photos)

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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.