How can I improve zygomatic width, forward projection, and midface support? (Photos)

Question

Hello, I am looking to improve my midface, I have a mildly recessed maxilla which of course causes my cheekbones are lackluster, my infraorbital support is poor and in general my midface is flat. Id like to change it but im not sure of how. I am very lean which is intentionlly to better show cheekbones but in general id like more improvementom width and forward projection.

Michael P. Morrissette, DDS, FACS · Answer

When the suborbital area is flat, I prefer to use a submalar silicone implant and place it right below the orbit and next to the nose with a small cutout section to allow for the infraorbital nerve. In this way, the implant will blend with your natural cheekbones. You won't see the implant or feel the implant, but it will add a nice convexity to that flat area. I place a few tiny screws so the implant does not move.

Nelson Lee Novick, MD · Answer

From the photos provided, it appears that this issues that disturb you, namely the desire for slightly greater cheek projection and improved under-eye support, can be quite easily and quickly achieved with the use of a robust HA volumizing filler appropriately injected in a moderate amount in the region of the upper medial cheeks. It is extremely important that you seek consultation and treatment by an experienced, board certified dermatologist filler expert, since proper placement of the filler and in the appropriate amounts is essential for maintaining a masculine face and not feminizing it. Hope this helps and best of luck.

Anna Chacon, MD, FAAD · Answer

You’re describing your anatomy very clearly, and you’re right—what you’re noticing (flatter midface, less forward projection, weaker infraorbital support) often comes from how the underlying bone structure presents, not just soft tissue.

Being very lean can make this more noticeable, because there’s less natural volume to soften or camouflage those contours.

What’s really going on

When the midface (particularly the maxilla) sits a bit more posteriorly:

The cheeks can look less projected
The under-eye area can appear more hollow or unsupported
The face can read as flatter from the side and front

So the goal isn’t just “adding volume”—it’s strategically creating structure and projection.

Non-surgical options

This is where fillers can be very effective if done properly.

I don’t think in terms of just “cheekbones”—I think in terms of support points:

Deep midface (malar/zygoma) → to create width and lift
Anterior cheek (front of the cheek) → to improve forward projection
Pyriform / base of the nose → to support the midface from the center

When placed deeply and conservatively, this can:

Improve cheek definition
Enhance forward projection
Reduce that “flat” appearance without looking overfilled

The key is building structure gradually—not placing large amounts at once.

What to be careful about

Because you’re lean, it’s easy to overdo it. Too much filler or placement too superficially can:

Look puffy instead of structured
Blur definition rather than enhance it

This is one of those situations where less, placed correctly, does more.

Surgical options (for context)

If someone is looking for a more permanent and structural change, procedures like orthognathic surgery or implants address the bone directly—but that’s a very different level of intervention and not something everyone wants or needs.

My honest take

You can get a noticeable improvement in width and projection without surgery, but it has to be approached like sculpting, not just filling.

Done well, the change is subtle but impactful—you’ll look more balanced and supported, not “augmented.”

And especially in someone with your facial type, the best results come from precision and restraint, not volume.

Yily De Los Santos, MD · Answer

Hola, lo que describes corresponde a falta de soporte en el tercio medio, con poca proyección hacia adelante y un aspecto plano. Esto suele estar relacionado con la estructura ósea del maxilar y los pómulos, más que solo con grasa o piel.

Hay varias formas de corregirlo según el grado y el tipo de resultado que buscas.

Los rellenos con ácido hialurónico permiten mejorar la proyección de los pómulos y el soporte infraorbitario. Bien colocados, pueden dar más estructura y anchura de forma controlada. Son una buena opción si buscas algo no quirúrgico.

El injerto de grasa es útil en pacientes delgadas. Aporta volumen más natural y mejora la transición entre párpado y mejilla. El resultado es más suave y puede durar más tiempo.

Cuando el problema es estructural, como un maxilar retraído, las opciones más completas son los implantes malares o cirugías de avance óseo. Estas técnicas aumentan la proyección real del hueso y mejoran el soporte facial de forma más definitiva.

En tu caso es importante no solo dar volumen lateral, sino proyectar hacia adelante. Si solo se rellena sin estrategia, el rostro puede verse ancho pero no definido.

Lo más adecuado es una evaluación para determinar si la corrección debe ser con rellenos, grasa o una opción estructural.

El objetivo es mejorar soporte, proyección y equilibrio sin perder naturalidad.

How can I improve zygomatic width, forward projection, and midface support? (Photos)

Answers (4)

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