Cheek Concerns

• Injectables
• Conditions
• Cheek Concerns

Medically Reviewed 8th May 2024, by Dr. Susan Mayou (GMC: 2405092) - founder of the Cadogan Clinic and one of the world's leading dermatologists

What Concerns Affect the Cheeks?

Ageing has several effects on the face and these conditions can often show on the cheeks. Loss of collagen and elastin, breakdown of underlying bone and muscle, and thinning of the skin can all occur due to ageing.

The speed that these concerns take hold, as well as their severity, can be impacted by lifestyle factors such as sun exposure, genetics and facial weight changes. For some people, conditions such as Chubby Cheeks or Undefined Cheekbones can also occur naturally, and they may wish to address this regardless of age.

Here, we look at conditions that commonly arise in the cheeks and mid-section of the face, as well as exploring how Injectables can be used to address these concerns either as standalone treatments, or in combination to enhance the final results. 

Sagging Cheeks

Sagging Cheeks are characterised by loose and hanging skin in the mid-section of the face. This saggy skin can lead to the face looking permanently sad which may affect people’s confidence in their social and professional lives.

Sagging Cheeks can be caused by the natural breakdown of collagen and elastin in the skin as part of ageing, or due to the skin stretching and being unable to return to its usual position following dramatic weight loss.

When the skin around the cheeks becomes loose, it can impact the appearance of other areas of the face. The sagging skin can pull down on the skin around the eyes, exacerbating undereye bags and drooping eyelids, and can also push down on the lower portion of the face, resulting in jowls which can cause the jawline to become undefined. 

Sunken Cheeks

Sunken Cheeks can be identified by a hollowed appearance, usually in the mid and lower sections of the cheeks. This can result in a gaunt appearance which can make people look much older than they are.

The cheeks usually become sunken or hollowed due to volume loss caused by the breakdown of the underlying fat pads and bone – which is a natural part of the ageing process.

Having Sunken Cheeks can impact the face beyond just the cheeks. The loss of volume may lead to the skin becoming loose and sagging. 

Chubby Cheeks

Although having volume in your cheeks is often a sign of a youthful appearance, having excess fat in the cheeks can give a disproportionate or unbalanced look, especially if you are otherwise generally slender. Excess fat around the face, can be stubborn and resistant to conventional weight loss methods such as diet and exercise. Some people also feel that having Chubby Cheeks makes them look too young, in comparison to their real age.

Chubby Cheeks can be caused by weight gain, genetics, or natural facial anatomy. Having Chubby Cheeks isn’t a medical concern but can lead to a drop in confidence.

Having excess fat around the cheeks, may put pressure on the lower part of the face exacerbating the appearance of jowls and also making the cheekbones look less defined. 

Undefined Cheekbones

The Cheekbones are located in the upper section of the cheeks and provide crucial structure to the face. The position of your Cheekbones and how defined they look can significantly impact the overall appearance of your face, with high, defined Cheekbones often being seen as more desirable than low Cheekbones.

The position of your Cheekbones is dictated by your genetics and natural facial anatomy. Having Undefined Cheekbones can be caused by weight gain, ageing or genetics. Low Cheekbones do usually appear less defined than high Cheekbones and so the concerns are connected.

Sagging skin around the cheeks caused by ageing or weight loss, can lead to the Cheekbones becoming less defined. Loss of definition around the cheekbones can result in the rest of the face looking softer and concerns such as jowls becoming a potential issue. 

Injectables for Cheek Concerns

Due to the wide variety of concerns that can affect the cheeks, there are a number of injectable treatments which may be suitable. During a consultation with one of our specialist Plastic Surgeons or Dermatologists, they will be able to recommend the best treatment plan to address your specific needs and concerns. 

Anti-Ageing Injectables for Cheek Concerns

Anti-Ageing Injectables, also known as Anti-Wrinkle Injections, use a neurotoxin to alter the function and structure of the nervous system. In controlled amounts this can relax the muscles in the cheeks which smooths the appearance of lines and wrinkles and can also be used as a face slimming treatment to change the shape of the face.

For people concerned about having Chubby Cheeks, neurotoxin can be injected into the muscle in the lower cheeks to help to create a slimmer appearance to the face. This will also help to define the Cheekbones and create a lifted appearance.

Anti-Ageing Injectables usually last around 3-4 months and follow-up sessions are required to maintain results. However, many patients find that consistent use of neurotoxin leads to their results lasting longer over time and them requiring top-ups less often. 

Dermal Fillers for Cheek Concerns

Dermal Fillers are an injectable treatment which can add volume and lift the cheeks. They are made from Hyaluronic Acid, a substance which is found naturally throughout the body in the joints, skin, and eyes.

Dermal Fillers can be used to treat several Cheek Concerns:

• They can be used to plump up Sunken Cheeks, restoring volume and creating a youthful appearance. 
• In Sagging Cheeks, they can be injected to support the loose skin, tightening, and lifting the cheeks. 
• For patients worried about having Low or Undefined Cheekbones, Dermal Filler can be used to create a more lifted and defined shape in the upper portion of the cheeks.

Dermal Fillers are a temporary solution and how regularly they need to be topped up varies between patients. Most people find that their Cheek Fillers will last 6-12 months. 

Profhilo for Cheek Concerns

Profhilo is an innovative injectable option which can be used a standalone treatment but is commonly combined with Anti-Ageing Injections and Dermal Fillers. Profhilo is a type of Dermal Filler which works by increasing the hydration in the skin rather than adding volume directly. This improves the quality of the skin and can also target specific concerns.

Profhilo can help to address:

• Sagging Cheeks – Profhilo can help to tighten the skin and improve skin laxity, giving a more toned and lifted appearance to the cheeks. For more severe cases of loose skin around the cheeks, Profhilo may need to be combined with other treatments such as Dermal Fillers 
• Sunken Cheeks – For cheeks that have become hollowed, Profhilo may help to improve the volume by increasing the hydration levels in the skin. This can give a more subtle result than Dermal Fillers, but can also be combined to treat more severe cases of Sunken Cheeks.

Profhilo is administered in two sessions – 4-6 weeks apart. After the initial treatments, maintenance sessions are needed around every 6 months. 

Sculptra for Cheek Concerns

Sculptra is another injectable treatment that can be used as an alternative to Dermal Fillers. Instead of adding the volume into the cheeks directly, using Hyaluronic Acid, Sculptra uses Lactic Acid, which stimulates collagen and elastin production creating a fuller, more lifted appearance.

Sculptra can be used to address similar concerns to Dermal Filler, but often has slightly more natural results due to how it works:

• For Sunken Cheeks, Sculptra can be used to create a fuller appearance, restoring lost volume. 
• Sculptra can be used to help lift and support loose skin which is causing Sagging Cheeks. 
• In cases of Undefined Cheekbones, Sculptra can be used to redefine the upper cheeks and create the appearance of a higher cheekbone.

Following the initial treatment, Sculptra results usually last 2 years, with some patients reporting results for 5-10 years. To maintain results, follow-up appointments are recommended annually so your consultant can review your progress.

Cheek Concerns can impact people in different ways and take a variety of forms. As injectables are able to offer a versatile range of solutions, for many patients, they are the most effective option for addressing concerns and conditions showing through the cheeks. 

How To Find Us

The Cadogan Clinic is based at 120 Sloane Street in Chelsea, just off Sloane Square and the Kings Road.

We are accessible by all major bus routes that pass through Sloane Square and Sloane Street, as well as Sloane Square tube station.

We are just a 5 minute walk northwards up Sloane Street once you have arrived at Sloane Square.

Local pay parking is available just around the corner from the Clinic on Cadogan Gate, Cadogan Square and Cadogan Gardens. Our local residential parking zone is the Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea.

Address: 120 Sloane Street, Chelsea, London, SW1X 9BW