Sunken Cheeks: Treatments, Causes, and Preventions

Key Takeaways

• Sunken cheeks occur when midface volume decreases due to ageing, weight loss, dehydration or genetics. Hollow cheeks create a tired, gaunt and prematurely aged look.
• At Clique Clinic, treatments such as dermal fillers, collagen bio-stimulators, skin boosters, and energy devices can restore natural contours and facial balance.
• Prevention methods include healthy skincare habits, maintaining a stable weight, and appropriate aesthetic maintenance.

Introduction

Sunken cheeks are a common concern for both men and women. This condition occurs when the fat pads, collagen, elastin, and structural tissues in the midface begin to diminish or shift. The hollowing out can make one appear older, sharper, or fatigued, even in younger individuals.

Patients with sunken cheeks often ask our doctors; “How to fix sunken cheeks naturally?”. Or whether sunken cheeks can be reversed naturally?

While home care helps, the most effective improvements usually require professional aesthetic treatments that address the underlying structural changes.

What Are Sunken Cheeks?

Sunken cheeks refer to the appearance of hollowing or decreased volume in the midface. The typical features include:

• Flattened cheek contours
• Visible hollowness beneath the cheekbone
• Increased shadowing around the midface
• Reduced facial plumpness
• A tired or unhealthy appearance, even when well rested

This condition may occur due to natural ageing, dehydration, rapid weight loss, genetics, or even after wisdom teeth removal. Some patients ask whether sunken cheeks can play a role, and the answer is yes.

Even temporary fluid loss can make facial contours appear sharper and more hollow.

At Clique Clinic, our doctors frequently see younger patients with sunken hollow cheeks, especially females in their twenties and thirties, where genetics and lifestyle factors contribute more than age.

What Causes Sunken Cheeks?

The causes vary from natural biological changes to lifestyle habits. The most common include:

Age-related collagen and fat loss

With time, the body reduces production of collagen, elastin, and hyaluronic acid. Deep fat pads shrink, and bone resorption occurs. Scientifically, collagen declines about one percent per year after age twenty five, which accelerates cheek hollowing.

Genetics and facial structure

Some individuals naturally have slimmer faces, high cheekbones, or a lower percentage of facial fat. They will often have sunken cheeks at a young age.

Rapid weight loss

Extreme dieting, sudden fat loss, or illness can sharply reduce cheek volume. The Ozempic face, is an example of rapid fat loss occurrence.

Hormonal or medical factors

Hormonal changes, chronic illnesses, or autoimmune conditions can make the face appear hollow.

Smoking and poor nutrition

Nicotine restricts blood flow and accelerates collagen breakdown. The repetitive muscle movement from smoking is also a contributing factor.

Overactive facial muscles

Constant clenching, grinding, or exaggerated facial movements can contribute to midface volume loss over time.

Chronic stress and sleep deprivation

High cortisol levels reduce collagen synthesis and increase fat loss, contributing to a hollow midface. Many patients ask; Can stress cause sunken cheeks?  Physiologically, yes, chronic stress accelerates catabolism and speeds up ageing.

Are Sunken Cheeks Reversible?

Sunken cheeks caused by dehydration, temporary weight loss, or stress can improve naturally with proper care. However, structural causes such as fat loss, bone shrinkage, and collagen depletion require professional aesthetic intervention.

At Clique Clinic, the most effective results come from fillers, bio-stimulators, and collagen-stimulating injectables that restore underlying support rather than simply adding superficial volume. Structural issues cannot reverse themselves naturally, but they can be corrected safely and beautifully with modern medical aesthetic technology.

Best Aesthetic Clinic for Sunken Cheeks Treatment

Clique Clinic offers multiple scientifically supported solutions. Treatment is always personalised, combining volume restoration, collagen stimulation, and skin quality enhancement depending on each patient’s needs.

Hyaluronic Acid Fillers for Sunken Cheeks

Hyaluronic acid fillers restore midface volume by lifting the cheek area, enhancing contours, and smoothing the transition from the lower eyelid to the cheek. They immediately address hollowness and provide natural-looking results.

More information: https://www.cliqueclinic.com/dermal-fillers

HA fillers remain the best filler for sunken cheeks treatment because they offer predictable shaping, excellent lift and reversibility if required.

Collagen Bio-stimulators

Bio-stimulators work differently from fillers. Instead of adding immediate volume, they stimulate long-term collagen synthesis to rebuild structural support. Over several months, the midface looks lifted, thicker, and naturally fuller. These are ideal for patients with significant collagen loss or those who prefer long-lasting improvements rather than a purely filler-based approach.

Learn more about collagen bio-stimulators: Ellanse and Radiesse

Polynucleotide [PN] Skin Repair Injectables

This category includes PN and PDRN injectables such as Profhilo Malaysia, Hydrolift by Clique Clinic, Plinest Malaysia, and Plinest NCTF. These treatments improve tissue quality, elasticity, hydration, and fine lines.

While they do not add significant volume the way fillers do, they help repair thin, dehydrated, or ageing skin around hollow cheeks. They are also excellent combination treatments alongside fillers or bio-stimulators.

Ultherapy and Radio-Frequency Tightening for Midface Lift

Ultherapy and RF devices tighten the underlying SMAS layer to lift sagging cheek tissues and provide better facial definition. These treatments are suitable for patients who experience sagging cheeks rather than just volume loss.

Learn more:
Ultherapy: https://www.cliqueclinic.com/ultherapy
RF and HIFU guide: https://www.cliqueclinic.com/blog/hifu-the-ultimate-guide-to-non-invasive-skin-tightening-and-facial-rejuvenation

Laser and Energy-Based Rejuvenation

Energy devices improve skin thickness, texture, and support by stimulating collagen and dermal remodeling. This is useful when sunken cheeks occur with thin or crepey skin.
At Clique Clinic, common lasers used include:
• Sylfirm X
• PicoSure Pico Laser
•  Enlighten Pico Genesis

These options help enhance skin quality and improve overall mid-face appearance.

At Home Remedies and Lifestyle Adjustments for Sunken Cheeks

While home care cannot fully reverse structural hollowing, it can support overall facial health.

Useful habits include:

•  Adequate hydration and balanced nutrition.
• A collagen supporting diet rich in protein and Vitamin C.
• Daily skincare with retinoids and antioxidants.
• Avoiding smoking and excessive dieting.
• Facial exercises with realistic expectations as these may strengthen superficial muscles, but they will not replace lost fat or bone volume.

Treatment Selection Guide: Which Option Is Right for You?

Matching treatment to the cause is crucial for natural results. Our doctors provide personalised, long-term treatment plans for every patient, but as a general guide:

• Volume loss requires fillers or collagen bio-stimulators.
• Poor skin quality [dehydrated, wrinkles, pigmentation]  responds best to PN injectables or laser rejuvenation.
• Sagging cheeks benefit from Ultherapy or RF tightening.
• Weight loss-related hollowing needs volume replacement plus skin repair injectables

Clique Clinic doctors usually combine two or more modalities to achieve natural, lifted, and long-lasting midface results.

How Long Do Results for Sunken Cheek Treatment Last?

Longevity depends on the type of treatment.

• HA fillers: Last between twelve to twenty-four months, depending on metabolism, product choice and injection technique.
• Bio-stimulators: Results last up to two years since collagen production continues over time.
• PN injectables: Typically last six to nine months and require regular maintenance for optimal skin quality.
• Ultherapy and RF tightening: Results last twelve to eighteen months, depending on collagen response.
• Laser rejuvenation: Benefits last several months, with maintenance recommended every three to six months

How to Prevent Further Cheek Hollowing?

Prevention focuses on maintaining stable tissue health and structural support:

• Maintain a stable and healthy weight.
• Limit sun exposure and diligent use of daily sunscreen.
• Adopt collagen-supporting skincare with retinoids and peptides.
• Avoid smoking and excessive alcohol consumption.
• Prioritise sleep, hydration, and stress management.
• Schedule routine mid-face supporting treatments at Clique Clinic.

FAQ

What is the fastest way to fix sunken cheeks?

Hyaluronic acid fillers provide the most immediate correction, restoring volume and lifting the midface within a treatment session.

Can sunken cheeks be reversed naturally without fillers?

Minor cases due to dehydration, fatigue, or stress may improve naturally over time. However, structural hollowing caused by fat or bone loss cannot be fully reversed without aesthetic treatment.

Can stress cause sunken cheeks?

Yes. Chronic stress elevates cortisol, which accelerates fat breakdown and collagen loss.

Does overbite cause sunken cheeks?

Dental malocclusion can affect facial proportions, butit  only plays a minor role. Severe overbites may create an illusion of flatter cheeks.

Are sunken cheeks caused by ageing or weight loss?

It can be both. Ageing reduces collagen and fat pads, while weight loss decreases facial volume. A combination of both will worsen sunken cheeks.

Do cheek fillers look natural, and how long do they last?

When performed by experienced injectors at Clique Clinic, cheek fillers look natural and last twelve to twenty-four months.

What is the difference between fillers and bio-stimulators for sunken cheeks?

Fillers give instant volume while bio-stimulators gradually rebuild collagen. Many patients benefit from combining both.

Is Ultherapy effective for lifting sunken cheeks?

Ultherapy helps when sagging contributes to hollow cheeks. It is not a substitute for volume replacement but an excellent complementary treatment.

How many treatment sessions are usually needed to see results?

Fillers show immediate results in one session. Bio-stimulators and PN injectables require a series of treatments. Energy devices often need one to two sessions per year.

Are treatments for sunken cheeks safe, and what are the side effects?

When performed by trained medical professionals, treatments are safe. Temporary swelling, mild bruising, or tenderness may occur.

Conclusion

Rest assured that sunken cheeks are highly treatable with modern aesthetic medicine. Whether caused by ageing, weight loss, stress, or genetics, personalised treatments at Clique Clinic can restore youthful contours safely and naturally.

Early intervention also helps prevent further hollowing and maintains long-term mid-face support, so do not delay getting help if you are noticing volume loss on your face.

For personalised advice or to restore natural cheek volume, have a chat with our doctors at wa.me/60123537960