What are sunken cheeks?
Sunken cheeks are characterised by a hollow or indented appearance in the cheeks, and can be caused by a variety of factors. Some of the most common causes of sunken cheeks include:
- Weight loss: Rapid weight loss can cause the skin to lose elasticity and sag, resulting in sunken cheeks.
- Ageing: As we age, our skin loses collagen and elastin, which are responsible for maintaining the skin’s shape and elasticity. This can lead to wrinkles, sagging skin, and sunken cheeks.
- Genetics: Some people may be predisposed to having sunken cheeks due to their genetic makeup.
- Medical conditions: Certain medical conditions can also cause sunken cheeks. For example, malnutrition can cause the body to lose muscle and fat, resulting in a gaunt appearance. Anaemia, a condition characterized by a lack of iron in the blood, can also cause sunken cheeks. Autoimmune disorders such as Sjogren’s Syndrome, Rheumatoid arthritis, and Scleroderma can also cause sunken cheeks.
- Medications: Certain medications, such as steroids, can cause the body to lose muscle mass and fat, resulting in sunken cheeks.
- Lifestyle factors: Smoking can cause the skin to lose elasticity and sag, resulting in sunken cheeks.
If you are concerned about sunken cheeks, you should consult one of our medical experts for an in-depth evaluation. They can help determine the cause of the sunken cheeks and recommend appropriate treatment options. If the sunken cheeks are caused by a medical condition, treating the underlying condition may help improve the appearance of the cheeks. If the sunken cheeks are caused by ageing or genetics, treatments such as dermal fillers, fat transfer, and facial implants may be recommended.
How does the ageing process affect the cheeks?
As we age, our cheeks can undergo several changes that can contribute to a sunken or hollow appearance. Some of the most common changes that occur in the cheeks as we age include:
- Volume loss: As we age, we lose volume in our cheeks due to a decrease in collagen and elastin, which are responsible for maintaining the skin’s shape and elasticity. This can cause the cheeks to appear hollow or sunken.
- Sagging skin: As we lose volume in our cheeks, the skin can begin to sag and droop. This can create wrinkles and folds around the cheeks and mouth.
- Loss of muscle mass: The muscles in the cheeks can also begin to atrophy (waste away) as we age, which can contribute to a sunken appearance.
- Sun damage: Sun exposure can cause the skin to lose elasticity and sag, resulting in wrinkles and sunken cheeks.
- Gravity: The force of gravity can also pull the skin downward, which can cause the cheeks to sag and appear sunken.
- Genetics: Some people may be predisposed to having sunken cheeks due to their genetic makeup.
These changes can be accentuated by lifestyle factors such as smoking and excessive sun exposure, which can accelerate the ageing process. If you are concerned about the appearance of your cheeks, it is important to consult a healthcare professional for an evaluation. They can recommend appropriate treatment options, such as dermal fillers, fat transfer, and facial implants, which can help restore volume to the cheeks and improve the overall appearance of the face.
What are the surgical options for sunken cheeks?
Several surgical options can be used to correct sunken cheeks. These include:
- Facelift: A facelift is a surgical procedure that can lift and tighten the skin and underlying tissues of the face, including the cheeks. A facelift can help restore volume to the cheeks and improve the overall appearance of the face.
- Cheek augmentation: Cheek augmentation is a surgical procedure that can add volume to the cheeks. This can be done with the use of implants, such as silicone or synthetic materials, or with the use of the patient’s own fat, harvested from other parts of the body, which can be transferred to the cheeks through a process called cheek fat transfer.
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- Malar fat pad repositioning: This procedure is used to reposition the malar fat pad, which is located in the cheek, to a higher position on the cheekbone to fill the hollowness in the cheek area. This procedure is done through a small incision inside the mouth, which makes it an attractive option as it leaves no visible scar.
- Mid-face lift: This procedure is designed to lift and reposition the cheeks, jowls, and lower eyelids while preserving the natural contours of the face.
It is important to note that all surgical options come with risks and recovery time, and the best option for each patient will depend on their individual needs and goals. It is recommended that you consult a qualified plastic surgeon at Centre for Surgery for an evaluation and to discuss the best options for you.
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What are the non-surgical options for deflated cheeks?
Several non-surgical options can be used to correct deflated or sunken cheeks and add volume to the face. These include:
- Dermal fillers: Dermal fillers, such as Juvederm, Restylane, and Sculptra, can be injected into the cheeks to add volume and lift. These cheek fillers work by restoring volume to the cheeks and can help improve the overall contour of the face.
- Sculptra: Sculptra is a non-surgical option that stimulates the body’s own collagen production, which can help to restore volume and improve the appearance of the cheeks.
- Thread-lifting: Thread-lifting is a non-surgical procedure that uses dissolvable sutures to lift and tighten the skin in the cheeks.
- PRP (Platelet-Rich Plasma) therapy: A small amount of blood is drawn from the patient and processed to extract the platelet-rich plasma (PRP), which is then injected into the cheeks to stimulate collagen production. This can improve the skin’s elasticity and volume.
- Volumizing skincare: Some skincare products, such as those containing hyaluronic acid, peptides, and retinoids, can help to plump up the skin and improve the appearance of the cheeks.
- AccuTite: AccuTite RF can be used to tighten and lift the skin in the cheeks and can also stimulate collagen production.
It is important to note that the best non-surgical option for you will depend on your individual needs and goals. It is recommended that you consult a qualified aesthetic medical professional at Centre for Surgery for an evaluation and to discuss the best options for you.
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Can facial exercises improve sunken cheeks?
Facial exercises, also known as facial yoga or facial toning, may help to improve the appearance of sunken cheeks by strengthening the muscles in the face and stimulating blood flow. However, it is important to note that the effectiveness of facial exercises in improving sunken cheeks is still a matter of debate.
Facial exercises target the muscles in the face, which can help to tone and firm the skin and may help to reduce the appearance of wrinkles and sagging skin. Additionally, facial exercises can stimulate blood flow to the face, which can help to improve skin elasticity and tone.
It is important to note that while facial exercises may improve the appearance of sunken cheeks, they may not be as effective as surgical or non-surgical procedures in restoring volume to the cheeks. Additionally, the results of facial exercises may not be as dramatic or long-lasting as those obtained from other treatments.
If you are interested in trying facial exercises to improve the appearance of sunken cheeks, it is best to seek guidance from a professional, such as a facial fitness trainer or aesthetician, to learn the correct techniques and ensure that you’re performing the exercises safely.
It is also important to note that facial exercises should be considered a complementary method and not a substitute for effective medical treatment with cheek fillers or fat transfer. If you are concerned about sunken cheeks, it is recommended that you consult a healthcare professional for an evaluation and to discuss all available options, including surgical and non-surgical options. Here at Centre for Surgery, we would recommend treatment with dermal fillers or fat transfer for effective restoration of cheek volume.
Cheek fillers & Fat Injections at Centre for Surgery
Centre for Surgery in London is recognised as a specialist clinic for facial rejuvenation treatments, both surgical and nonsurgical. Our medical experts have years of experience in treating sunken cheeks using cheek fillers or facial fat transfer with excellent long-term results. Contact us today at 020 7993 4849 or complete the contact form below the schedule an in-person consultation at our state-of-the-art Baker Street clinic in central London.
