Overview
What hollow cheeks look like
When the midface loses fullness, the cheekbones can look sharper, shadows form underneath, and the face starts to look gaunt or tired. Smile lines and under-eye hollows usually look deeper at the same time.
Why it happens
With age, the fat pads in the cheeks shrink and slide down, and the facial bones slowly lose volume. Big weight loss, endurance training, and genetics can create the same look in younger people too.
Restoring volume
Dr. Kim performs facial fat transfer, taking a small amount of fat from somewhere like the abdomen or thighs, purifying it, and placing it into the cheeks. Because it's your own tissue, it looks and feels natural, and the fat that takes hold can last for years.
If you'd rather skip surgery, fillers are a good alternative. Juvéderm gives immediate volume, while Sculptra builds your own collagen gradually.
Fat or filler?
Filler is quick with little downtime and lasts anywhere from several months to a couple of years depending on the product. Fat transfer needs a short recovery, and some of the fat is naturally reabsorbed in the first few months, but what remains tends to last much longer. Dr. Kim can help you weigh longevity, recovery, and cost.
Recommended Treatment
Facial Fat Transfer
Facial fat transfer uses a small amount of your own fat, gently taken from an area like the abdomen or thighs, to restore lost volume in the face. Dr. Charles Kim purifies the fat and places it where volume has faded, such as the cheeks, temples, or under-eye hollows, to bring back a fuller, more rested look. Because it's your own tissue, results look and feel natural, and the fat that takes hold in the first few months can last for years.
Learn More About This Treatment