Sunken cheeks, also known as hollow cheeks, are defined by a visible indentation between the cheekbones and the jawbone. They can impact both males and females, leading to a haggard, more aged look. They often arise with ageing and may make other signs of ageing more noticeable. Patients with sunken cheeks often have more noticeable jowls, deeper nasolabial folds, and an overall reduction in facial smoothness.
Continue reading to explore the various causes of sunken cheeks and what actions you can take to address them.
What Causes Sunken Cheeks?
Sunken or hollow cheeks can happen for several reasons. Here’s a closer look at some common causes:Ageing Naturally:
As we age, our skin loses elasticity and collagen - a protein that keeps skin firm. With less collagen and facial fat shifting downwards, the area beneath the cheekbones can appear hollow and saggy.Genetics:
Your bone structure plays a role in how your cheeks look. Some people naturally have a bone structure or fat distribution that makes their cheeks appear more sunken.Significant Weight Loss:
Losing a lot of weight, especially quickly, can reduce the fat in your face and make your cheeks look hollow. If the weight loss is sudden or unexplained, it might be linked to a health issue and should be checked.Dehydration:
Not drinking enough water can leave your skin looking dull and lifeless, making hollow cheeks appear more pronounced. Proper hydration is key to maintaining a healthy, plump appearance.Lifestyle Factors:
Habits like smoking, lack of sleep, and stress can speed up skin ageing, contributing to the loss of collagen and elasticity. This can make cheeks appear more sunken over time.Vitamin Deficiency:
A lack of essential vitamins, particularly Vitamin C and D, can negatively affect skin health and collagen production, potentially leading to hollow cheeks.Medical Conditions:
Health problems like anaemia, Crohn’s disease, or hyperthyroidism can lead to weight loss, which can cause the cheeks to look sunken. These conditions might also affect your overall health, so it’s important to see a specialist if you think you might have one.Certain Medications:
Some medicines can cause weight loss as a side effect, which might affect the appearance of your cheeks. If you’ve started a new medication, check the side effects and talk to your doctor if you’re concerned.Surgical Treatments for Sunken Cheeks
If you’re looking for long-lasting solutions to address sunken cheeks, there are several surgical options available. These procedures can help restore volume & enhance the overall appearance of your face.Facelift:
A facelift is a surgical procedure that tightens and lifts the skin and tissues of the face, including the cheeks. This can restore volume to the cheeks, reduce sagging, and create a more youthful appearance.Cheek Augmentation:
Cheek augmentation involves adding volume to the cheeks using either implants (like silicone or other synthetic materials) or the patient’s own fat. The fat is gathered from other areas of the body and transferred to the cheeks through a process called fat grafting, creating a fuller look.Malar Fat Pad Repositioning:
This procedure lifts the malar fat pad, a natural fat deposit in the cheek area, to a higher position on the cheekbone. It helps fill out hollow cheeks and improves contour. The incision is made inside the mouth, leaving no visible scars.Mid-Face Lift:
A mid-face lift targets the cheeks, jowls, and lower eyelids, repositioning them to a more youthful and lifted position while maintaining the natural contours of the face.
Trust your eyes to the experts
- Consult with our doctor-led team for expert, personalised care
- A Care Quality Commission (CQC) rated clinic for your peace of mind
- Achieve a naturally refreshed look with over 25 years of expertise
Non-Surgical Treatments for Sunken Cheeks
For those who prefer less invasive options, non-surgical treatments can effectively address sunken cheeks by restoring volume and improving skin texture. Here are some popular methods:Dermal Fillers:
Dermal fillers are a widely used, non-surgical option for treating hollow cheeks. These fillers, typically made with hyaluronic acid - a substance naturally found in the body - are injected into the cheeks to restore lost volume, lift the area, and enhance facial contours. The result is a fuller, more youthful, and refreshed appearance.Radiofrequency Treatments:
These treatments use controlled radiofrequency energy to heat the deeper layers of the skin, encouraging collagen production and tightening the skin. This can help smooth out and slightly plump the cheeks.How to Fix Sunken Cheeks Naturally? - Home Remedies
If you prefer natural ways to improve the appearance of sunken cheeks, some home remedies may help restore volume and enhance skin health over time. While these remedies may not provide dramatic results, they can complement other treatments and promote a healthier, more youthful appearance:Stay Hydrated:
Drinking plenty of water is essential for maintaining plump, healthy skin. Dehydration can make hollow cheeks more noticeable, so aim for at least 8 glasses of water a day.Healthy Diet:
A nutrient-rich diet can support skin health. Focus on foods high in vitamins C, E, and A, along with omega-3 fatty acids, which promote collagen production and improve skin elasticity. Include fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, and fatty fish in your meals.Facial Exercises:
Certain exercises can help strengthen and tone facial muscles, giving the cheeks a more lifted and fuller appearance. Try puffing your cheeks and holding the air for a few seconds or smiling while pressing your fingertips into your cheeks.Aloe Vera:
Aloe vera is rich in antioxidants and can help improve skin elasticity. Apply fresh aloe vera gel to your cheeks and massage it in for a few minutes before rinsing.Coconut Oil Massage:
Massaging your cheeks with warm coconut oil can improve blood circulation and hydrate the skin, giving it a more plump appearance over time.Sleep and Stress Management:
Getting enough sleep and managing stress are crucial for maintaining skin health. Lack of sleep and high-stress levels can lead to collagen breakdown, making cheeks appear more hollow.Final Thoughts
Sunken cheeks can be caused by a number of factors, including age, weight reduction, & certain medical disorders. There are many different treatment options that can be customised to meet the needs and goals of each patient. Treatment options range from less intrusive, non-surgical alternatives to more invasive, surgical options. If you have concerns about sunken cheeks, see a doctor for a thorough examination. They are able to pinpoint the underlying issue and suggest the best treatments.Good to know
Frequently asked questions
Still unsure? Our team is glad to talk you through anything before you book.
- Yes, non-surgical treatments like dermal fillers and radiofrequency treatments, can help restore volume and improve the appearance of sunken cheeks.
- Dermal fillers, especially those made from hyaluronic acid, are generally safe when performed by a qualified professional. They are minimally invasive and can provide natural-looking results with little downtime.
- Sunken cheeks happen when the tissue in the middle of the face, particularly the fat under the skin, decreases. This is often due to ageing, but other factors like poor nutrition or having a very low body fat percentage can also make the cheeks appear hollow.
- Yes, stress can lead to fat loss in the face. The hormone released during stress can affect the skin's proteins, causing it to lose elasticity. If you're under chronic stress for a long time, it can result in facial fat loss, making your face look thinner.
