How to Correct Loss of Volume in the Cheek Area?
29 September 2023
A youthful, healthy-looking face involves more than just having few or no wrinkles. Your facial volume is another important aspect, and can make the use of cosmetic procedures more obvious if left unaddressed. At Nuance, we take all aspects of your facial anatomy into account, so we decided to bring attention to why cheek volume matters.
What Causes Loss of Volume in the Cheeks?
A loss of cheek volume has several causes, some of which require cosmetic intervention:
- Loss of collagen and fat in the face due to age.
- Loss of bone tissue, which is more common after menopause.
- Malnutrition, with causes including digestive conditions and eating disorders.
- Cancer; undiagnosed disease can present as unexplained weight loss.
Your natural bone structure may also result in a thinner-looking face. This is often related to your ethnic background, so changing it is a highly personal choice.
How to Correct Loss of Cheek Volume?
When it comes to addressing the loss of cheek volume, it's important to consider your options if aging is the primary factor contributing to this concern. At Nuance Aesthetics, we understand how frustrating it can be to hear well-intentioned advice like "just eat more" when you've already tried that route.
Our treatments offer a solution to rejuvenate your cheeks and enhance your facial contours. It's important to note that while these procedures can help restore volume and youthful appearance, they are not substitutes for making positive lifestyle choices. We strongly recommend quitting smoking, moderating alcohol intake, and maintaining a balanced diet rich in vegetables, anti-inflammatory fats, and fruits for overall well-being and enhanced results.
Restore Lost Volume with Cheek Fillers
The simplest sunken cheeks treatment is cheek filler injections. Here, hyaluronic acid, calcium hydroxyapatite, or poly-l-lactic acid (PLLA) is injected into areas of tissue volume loss. Fillers alone are best for mild to moderate volume loss, but can have extra benefits by stimulating the production of collagen.
Cheek fillers for volume loss typically last nine to 12 months if your doctor uses hyaluronic acid. Calcium hydroxyapatite lasts around 15 months, while PLLA can stick around for two years or more. While hyaluronic acid is a natural part of your connective tissue, calcium hydroxyapatite and PLLA have stronger effects on collagen restoration.
Cheek Augmentation Surgical Procedures
Cheek Augmentation with Fat Transfer
Fat transfer is a more drastic sunken cheeks treatment, taking an hour or two compared to the 15-30 minutes for cheek fillers. Here, fat from another part of your body is transferred to your cheeks. This can last longer than fillers, and may even be permanent.
Cheek Augmentation with Implants
Cheek implants are the most invasive of all treatments for loss of cheek volume. Here, an implant made from material such as silicone is inserted into a pocket made in your cheek. These are permanent and may look a little less natural than fillers or fat transfer.
The right treatment for loss of volume in the cheek area differs for everyone, but you certainly need a skilled, experienced surgeon. Contact us to make an appointment with \Dr. Jeannie Khavkin at Nuance.
