What is this dent that I just noticed on my right cheek? Can it be treated? (Photos)

Question

Today I noticed this dent in my cheek that’s become very pronounced. I went back and saw it was there in pictures from recent years but not nearly as bad as It looks here. I haven’t had any acne in this area recently either. In fact I just get the occasional pimple here and there. What is this and how can I fix it? Is it permanent?

Anna Chacon, MD, FAAD · Answer

It’s very common to suddenly notice a “dent” in the cheek that has actually been there for years but has become more visible over time. Based on your description, this is most likely one of the following: a mild atrophic acne scar (even from a past breakout you may not remember), a normal anatomic contour change related to facial fat distribution, or early volume loss in the mid-cheek.

Even if you haven’t had recent acne in that exact spot, a single deeper inflammatory lesion in the past can leave behind a subtle atrophic (depressed) scar. These can appear more pronounced depending on lighting, weight changes, collagen loss, or natural aging. As we lose collagen and mid-face volume, previously subtle indentations can look deeper.

The good news is that this is typically treatable.

Treatment depends on the cause and depth:
 - Hyaluronic acid filler can camouflage true volume loss or deeper atrophic scars.
- Subcision can release tethered rolling-type scars.
- Microneedling or fractional laser can stimulate collagen if it’s a mild atrophic scar.
- Combination approaches often give the best results.

Whether it’s “permanent” depends on the cause. A scar will not disappear on its own, but it can often be significantly improved. If it’s related to volume loss, filler can restore contour very effectively.

An in-person evaluation helps determine whether this is scarring, tethering, or structural volume change, but in most cases, improvement is very achievable.

Mahmood Siddique, DO · Answer

Thank you for your question. A newly noticeable cheek “dent” is most commonly due to natural volume loss, ligament definition, or changes in facial fat distribution rather than acne &mdash; especially if there hasn’t been recent inflammation in that area.
As we age, even subtly, facial fat compartments shift and thin, and normal anatomical structures (such as retaining ligaments) can appear more pronounced. This can make a groove or indentation look deeper over time.
Treatment options depend on the cause and may include:
• Strategic filler placement to restore support and smooth the contour• Biostimulatory treatments to gradually improve volume• Energy-based skin tightening if skin laxity is contributing
In most cases, this type of indentation is treatable, though it typically will not improve on its own. An in-person evaluation is important to determine whether it is structural volume loss versus a true scar.
A customized approach usually provides the best and most natural-looking correction.

What is this dent that I just noticed on my right cheek? Can it be treated? (Photos)

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