High cheekbone sunken cheeks are often considered a desirable facial feature, giving a striking and structured appearance. However, when accompanied by sunken cheeks, they can lead to a gaunt, aged, or unhealthy look. Sunken cheeks, where the area below the cheekbones appears hollow or thin, can affect both men and women for a variety of reasons. In this article, we will explore the causes and treatment options for high cheekbones with sunken cheeks, focusing on how they manifest in different age groups and genders and the possible treatments available.
Sunken Cheeks at a Young Age
While sunken cheeks are often associated with aging, they can appear at a young age as well. In many cases, the primary cause of sunken cheeks at a young age is genetic. Individuals with a naturally thin face or high metabolism may lose fat in the facial area more easily, giving them a sunken appearance even in their youth.
Other contributing factors include:
Rapid weight loss: Significant and rapid weight loss, whether through diet, exercise, or illness, can cause the face to lose fat and result in hollow cheeks.
Dehydration: Lack of adequate hydration can lead to a loss of facial volume, making the cheeks appear sunken.
Poor nutrition: Malnutrition or a diet lacking essential nutrients can cause a thinning of the skin and loss of fat, contributing to sunken cheeks.
Stress and lack of sleep: Prolonged stress and lack of proper rest can affect facial health, making the skin and fat tissues appear depleted.
For young individuals, dealing with sunken cheeks can be emotionally challenging. While some embrace their distinct facial structure, others may feel self-conscious about looking older or undernourished. Early intervention through proper diet, hydration, and skincare can help manage and improve facial volume.
Sunken Cheeks in Females
For females, the appearance of sunken cheeks can be especially concerning as they often associate a fuller face with youth and vitality. In women, hormonal changes, particularly during menopause, can lead to a loss of collagen and fat in the facial area, contributing to sunken cheeks. This often makes women appear more aged than they actually are.
Other factors that contribute to sunken cheeks in females include:
Hormonal imbalances: Changes in estrogen levels can affect fat distribution in the body, including the face.
Aging: As women age, they naturally lose fat and collagen in their face, leading to a sunken appearance. Skin elasticity decreases, causing the cheeks to sag and lose their youthful plumpness.
Dieting and over-exercising: Extreme dieting or excessive exercise can lead to fat loss in the face, which is more noticeable in women due to their generally smaller face sizes.
Women looking to restore volume to their cheeks often seek out cosmetic solutions such as fillers, which offer immediate results. However, maintaining a healthy lifestyle, including proper nutrition and hydration, can help prevent or minimize the appearance of sunken cheeks over time.
Sunken Cheeks in Males
In contrast, sunken cheeks in males can sometimes be viewed as a sign of masculinity or ruggedness. However, for many men, sunken cheeks can give off an unhealthy or gaunt appearance, especially when it results from rapid weight loss or aging.
Similar to females, men also experience fat loss and collagen depletion as they age, leading to hollow cheeks. In addition:
Exercise-induced weight loss: Men who engage in rigorous physical activities may burn off fat from their face, resulting in more pronounced high cheekbones and hollow cheeks.
Smoking and alcohol: These habits tend to dehydrate the body and skin, making the face look more hollow and aged.
Genetics: Some men are simply predisposed to having a naturally thin or hollow face, with high cheekbones and little facial fat.
For men, treatments are similar to those available for women, including fillers and other cosmetic procedures. However, many men prefer non-invasive options or lifestyle changes, such as improving diet and hydration, to enhance facial appearance.
Sunken Cheeks Filler
One of the most popular cosmetic solutions for sunken cheeks is the use of fillers. Fillers are injectable substances designed to restore volume and plumpness to areas of the face where fat or collagen has been lost.
Commonly used fillers include:
Hyaluronic acid fillers: These are among the most popular choices for cheek fillers. Hyaluronic acid is a substance naturally found in the body, which helps to retain moisture and volume. When injected, it can restore the lost fat and give the cheeks a fuller, more youthful appearance.
Calcium hydroxyapatite fillers: These are a denser type of filler, used for adding volume to larger areas like the cheeks. They can also stimulate collagen production, leading to longer-lasting results.
Poly-L-lactic acid fillers: These fillers stimulate collagen production over time, gradually restoring volume to sunken cheeks. However, the results may take a few weeks to become noticeable.
Fillers are a temporary solution, lasting anywhere from six months to two years, depending on the type used and the individual’s metabolism. While fillers can provide immediate results, it’s essential to choose an experienced provider to ensure a natural and balanced look.
Sunken Cheeks Treatment
Apart from fillers, there are several other treatment options for sunken cheeks. These include both non-invasive and surgical procedures, as well as lifestyle adjustments.
Fat transfer: Also known as fat grafting, this procedure involves taking fat from another part of the body and injecting it into the cheeks. Since the material is your own fat, there’s less risk of rejection, and the results can be long-lasting.
Collagen stimulators: These treatments encourage the body to produce more collagen, restoring volume over time. While the effects may not be immediate, collagen stimulators offer a more natural-looking result in the long run.
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Thread lifts: A thread lift involves placing dissolvable threads under the skin to lift the cheeks and improve their contour. This is a minimally invasive procedure, offering results without the need for surgery.
Cheek implants: For a more permanent solution, some individuals opt for cheek implants. These are solid implants placed surgically into the cheek area to add volume and contour. Cheek implants can provide dramatic results, but they come with a longer recovery time and potential risks associated with surgery.
How to Fix Sunken Cheeks Naturally
If you’re not interested in cosmetic procedures, there are several ways to fix sunken cheeks naturally. While these methods may not offer dramatic or immediate results, they can improve the appearance of your face over time and promote overall skin health.
Maintain a balanced diet: Eating a diet rich in healthy fats, vitamins, and antioxidants can help improve skin health and retain facial volume. Avocados, nuts, and fatty fish are excellent sources of nutrients that support skin elasticity and fullness.
Stay hydrated: Proper hydration is essential for keeping skin plump and healthy. Drinking plenty of water can prevent dehydration, which often leads to sunken cheeks.
Facial exercises: Regular facial exercises can strengthen the muscles under the skin, promoting a more lifted and fuller appearance. Simple exercises, such as puffing out your cheeks or making exaggerated smiling motions, can help tone the muscles and give your face a more youthful look.
Skincare routine: Use skincare products that promote collagen production, such as retinoids and vitamin C serums. Consistent use of these products can improve skin elasticity and prevent the loss of volume in your cheeks.
Avoid smoking and excessive alcohol: These habits can dehydrate the skin and contribute to a hollow, aged appearance. By quitting smoking and limiting alcohol intake, you can help maintain fuller, healthier-looking cheeks.
Conclusion
High cheekbones combined with sunken cheeks can create a striking yet sometimes unwanted appearance. Whether due to genetics, age, or lifestyle factors, sunken cheeks affect both men and women. Fortunately, several treatments, ranging from fillers to natural remedies, can help restore volume and give the face a more youthful, healthy appearance. If you’re dealing with sunken cheeks, it’s important to consult with a professional to explore the best treatment options tailored to your needs and preferences.
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