Looking to enhance the appearance of your cheekbones without buckling in for an intense surgery? With modern technology, there are a handful of options to turn to. Yes, Palo Alto, CA facial plastic surgeon Steven Curti, MD says, “lifting a descended cheek with expert surgery is the gold standard,” however, he notes that “strategic and conservative nonsurgical measures can be beneficial” as well.
“Cheek contouring is all about enhancing the natural shadows and curves of the face,” says Dr. Curti. “The ideal approach varies from person to person and depends on a detailed facial assessment,” so you’ll want to consult with a board-certified doctor, but we have some expert insight to help you get the ball rolling.
Featured experts
- Steven Curti, MD is a board-certified facial plastic surgeon in Palo Alto, CA
- Kelly Bomer, MD is a board-certified facial plastic surgeon based in Scottsdale, AZ
Hyaluronic acid fillers
“From a nonsurgical standpoint, hyaluronic acid fillers are often used to augment the cheekbones or restore volume lost with age,” says Dr. Curti. Scottsdale, AZ, facial plastic surgeon Kelly Bomer, MD, says she’s been contouring cheeks for many years with hyaluronic acid fillers.
“Cheeks have a very complicated anatomical structure,” notes Dr. Bomer, which makes it crucial to go to a board-certified expert for your treatment. “When adding volume, it’s important to plan ahead the compartments to be augmented and approximate the volume needed for each location while also choosing appropriate filler with the physical properties needed to simulate the native structure, to create the contour and maintain natural movement.”
Each area, enhancing bony highlights and deep and superficial fat compartments, requires a different filler, says Dr. Bomer. “Unlike the nose, cheeks are dynamic. The modified contour should be assessed aesthetically from all angles and also while in motion,” she advises. “With careful planning and execution, cheek augmentation with hyaluronic acid can transform an aging face into a more youthful and attractive face while maintaining natural facial shape and expression.”
Biostimulatory injectables
“For those seeking more subtle enhancement or needing broader volumization, biostimulatory products can be a great option,” says Dr. Curti. They not only add volume but also stimulate collagen production over time, which is a welcome plus.
Fat grafting
On the more invasive, yet still minimally invasive side is fat grafting. Dr. Curti says structural fat grafting can often be used “to replace loss of bone and soft tissue volume to give a long-lasting, natural cheek contour.”
Skin-tightening treatments
“To further define the cheeks, skin-tightening treatments such as lasers or microneedling with radiofrequency can improve skin firmness and elasticity,” notes Dr. Curti. These options might be good to pair with another treatment on the list.
Pro tip: Follow up your treatment with PRP or exosomes
Dr. Curti notes that incorporating skin-boosting treatments like PRP or exosomes after your main treatment, like microneedling, can be beneficial. Doing so “can enhance skin quality and radiance, further elevating the overall result.”
