Hollow Cheeks + Facial Volume Loss
Hollow cheeks and facial volume loss is a natural part of aging, where fat, muscle, collagen, and bone in the face gradually diminish, leading to a hollowed or sagging appearance. As we age, collagen and elastin production decline leading to the fat in our face to shrink. There is a saying that the only place you want to always have fat is your face, without volume you can notice hollowed cheeks or temples, sunken under eye areas, deepened smile lines, jowls (sagging jawline) and overall loss of youthful facial features. Weight loss, particularly when achieved through weight loss medication injectables, can further accelerate facial volume loss, often leading to sunken cheeks and under-eye areas.
Treatments Offered
There are a variety of treatment options to restore volume smoothness to hollow cheeks. These treatments vary based on your unique needs and goals. One iof the most popular methods to restore facial volume is the use of hyaluronic acid dermal fillers. These work by adding volume and contour to the cheeks, reducing the appearance of hollow areas. Juvéderm Voluma is a thick, highly cohesive HA filler designed for deep injection into the cheek area. It lifts and contours the cheeks by restoring lost fat and volume. Juvéderm can last up to two years, which makes it a long-lasting hyaluronic acid filler for hollow cheeks. Restylane Lift has a slightly firmer formula, which often is best for lifting and sculpting the cheeks. Belotero has a soft, flexible formula and is often used for those who notice an early sign of volume loss and subtle enhancement. RHA, or Resilient Hyaluronic Acid, is designed to move naturally with facial expressions, such as smiling and frowning. This filler provides smoother and more natural looking results, making it ideal for dynamic areas of the face.
Collagen biostimulators, like Sculptra and Radiesse are also effective treatments in treating hollow cheeks and facial volume loss. What makes a collagen biostimulator unique to other injectable treatments, is that it stimulates the body’s natural collagen production to improve skin structure, elasticity, and volume over time. Both Radiesse and Sculptra offer unique benefits, but they work in different ways and are suited for different cosmetic goals. If you’re looking for immediate results with added structure, Radiesse will provide instant volume with added benefits. Sculptra is best if you are looking for a gradual, long-lasting improvement through collagen stimulation to restore hollow cheeks and facial volume loss. PRF gel is another collagen biostimulator injectable that can also be effective for restoring facial volume and hollow cheeks.
PRF (Platelet-Rich Fibrin) gel utilizes a patient’s own blood to promote cellular regeneration, helping to add subtle, natural-looking volume to areas of hollowing. The PRF is then injected into areas of volume loss, such as the cheeks and under-eyes, or applied topically after microneedling for enhanced absorption. PRF is a great option for those looking for a more natural, regenerative approach to facial rejuvenation without the use of synthetic fillers. It can also be combined with other treatments like microneedling or laser therapy for enhanced results.
Lasers can help improve the appearance of hollow cheeks indirectly by stimulating collagen production, tightening the skin, and overall facial contouring. The Fraxel laser can be used to help reduce facial volume loss and hollow cheeks because it penetrates the deep layers of the skin to stimulate collagen remodeling, while also helping with overall facial firmness.
Genius RF microneedling delivers radiofrequency (RF) energy through microneedles deep into the skin, triggering collagen and elastin production. By combining microneedling with radiofrequency energy, Genius RF stimulates collagen and elastin production, improving the appearance of hollow cheeks overtime.
How does Sculptra differ from other cheek fillers?
Sculptra helps diminish deep facial wrinkles and folds while replenishing volume in areas prone to hollowing, such as the cheeks and temples. Sculptra is best for gradual, natural looking results, restoring volume in larger areas like cheeks and temples (versus fine lines), improving skin laxity on both the face and body, and long-term results.
Biostimulator injections require several treatments spaced over several weeks to months. Patients may notice initial improvement, but the full effects become apparent gradually as collagen production increases. This approach leads to subtle and natural-looking results that can last longer than those achieved with dermal fillers.
What can I expect during facial filler treatment session?
During treatment, one of our expert providers will cleanse the area and may apply numbing cream for comfort. Using a fine syringe, they inject the filler into targeted facial areas, usually taking about 30 minutes. Temporary swelling, bruising, or redness at injection sites may occur but typically resolve within days. Results become visible immediately or shortly after as initial swelling diminishes.
The duration of results varies depending on the type of filler used, the treated area, and individual factors such as metabolism and lifestyle. Generally, hyaluronic acid fillers like Juvéderm® and Restylane® can last anywhere from 6 months to 18 months. Some products, like Juvéderm Voluma™ XC, are designed for longer-lasting effects in specific areas such as the cheeks.
How long do the results of Sculptra last, and how many sessions are needed?
Biostimulator injections require several treatments spaced over several weeks to months. Patients may notice initial improvement, but the full effects become apparent gradually as collagen production increases. This approach leads to subtle and natural-looking results that can last longer than those achieved with dermal fillers. Sculptra typically requires 1-3 sessions depending on the severity of the hollow cheeks and facial volume loss and lasts about two years on average.
A consultation with one of our providers will help determine the best plan for you!
At Supriya Aesthetic Dermatology, we seek out not just treatments but transformation and believe in a customized approach to every unique patient. Discerning clientele entrust our team of experts with their most valuable asset—their image—in restoring facial volume and hollow cheeks and overall beauty. Give us a call today for your consultation, 561-805-9399.