Cheek volume, mid-face volume, smile lines, nasolabial folds, and the jawline all contribute to the overall appearance and definition of your cheeks. If that seems like a lot to consider, fear not. Creating your perfect cheek aesthetic does not require you to memorize that list — we’ll leave that to the plastic surgeons.
What is Cheek Volume?
Cheek volume refers to the fullness and contour of the cheeks, which play a crucial role in overall facial aesthetics. High cheekbones and well-defined cheeks are often associated with youth and beauty. Various factors contribute to cheek volume and definition, including bone structure, soft tissue, and skin elasticity.
Anatomy of the Cheek
To better understand the anatomy of the cheek, let’s look at the bones of the face. The zygomatic bones (also known as cheekbones or malar bones) compose the widest part of the cheek and sit below, and lateral (towards the ears) to the eyes. The zygomatic bones, along with the maxilla (upper jaw), and a few other small facial bones contribute to the eye socket. The zygomatic bones also articulate with the temporal and frontal bones of the skull.
The term buccal refers to structures related to the cheek. Running your tongue around the inside of your mouth shows the cheeks are mostly soft tissue suspended between larger facial bones. The buccal mucosa lines the sides of the inside of the mouth. The cheeks contain the buccal fat pads, which are an important component of cheek alterations in cosmetic procedures. The largest salivary glands, the parotid glands, sit in front of both ears in the posterior (towards the back) part of the cheeks.
Causes of Variations in Cheek Appearance
Variations in cheek appearance can result from several factors, including:
Genetics
Genetics play a significant role in determining the bone structure, fat distribution, and skin elasticity of the cheeks. Some people naturally have high cheekbones and well-defined cheeks, while others may have flatter or rounder cheek contours.
Aging
As we age, the skin loses elasticity, and the underlying fat pads and collagen decrease, leading to a loss of volume in the cheeks. This can result in a hollow or sagging appearance.
Weight Fluctuations
Significant weight gain or loss can affect the volume of the cheeks. Weight gain can lead to fuller cheeks, while weight loss can result in a more hollow appearance.
Lifestyle Factors
Smoking, excessive sun exposure, and poor diet can accelerate the aging process and affect the skin’s elasticity and overall health, contributing to changes in cheek volume and definition.
Main Concerns Related to Cheek Volume and Definition
Cheek appearance is affected by both cheekbone definition and the volume of the soft tissue composing the cheek. Below is a breakdown of the unique sub-concerns associated with the cheek:
Hollow & Sagging Cheeks
Lack of cheek volume and tone can lead to an almost gaunt appearance. Genetic predispositions, very low weight, and/or body fat can cause hollowness and sagging.
Full Cheeks
Excessive volume of soft tissue in the cheek, possibly in conjunction with suboptimal underlying bone structure, can create an overly full cheek appearance. Some individuals may be predisposed to this, and excess body weight may also contribute.
Cheekbone Definition
The underlying bone structure creates the outward definition of the cheek. Certain ethnic groups naturally have sharper, more defined cheekbones. Additionally, the overall facial symmetry in relation to where the cheekbone sits on the face can affect definition.
Dimples
A dimple is basically a small indentation in soft tissue. In the cheek, it is most commonly caused by a shortened zygomaticus major (a main cheek muscle). They can be present at rest or only occur with smiling. Dimples are a personal aesthetic choice that many feel naturally enhances an individual’s appearance.
Who May Wish to Seek Treatment to Change Their Cheek Volume and Definition?
The appearance of the cheek, defined from the zygomatic bones to the lower jaw, contributes significantly to overall facial aesthetics. It is generally considered that sharper, more defined, and toned cheeks serve to enhance an individual’s appearance.
For some, however, overly defined cheekbones can create a sagging and hollow cheek that can look gaunt or undesirable. Regardless of concern, there are corrective and refining procedures to enhance cheek volume and definition.
How to Change Cheek Volume and Definition
Whether you desire to look like the elves of any fantasy series or are seeking to augment cheek volume, there are numerous cheek reduction or cheek augmentation procedures to refine and define the cheek. Below is a breakdown of the unique concerns and their possible enhancement procedures:
For Hollow & Sagging Cheeks
This appearance can create a lack of definition and volume, making facial structure appear overly harsh. Cheek augmentation procedures can fill out and soften this appearance. Options include:
- Cheek Augmentation with Fillers: Injectable dermal fillers like hyaluronic acid (e.g., Juvéderm Voluma, Restylane) can add volume and contour to the cheeks.
- Cheek Augmentation with Implants: Cheek implants are a surgical option to provide permanent volume and enhance the cheekbones.
- Cheek Augmentation with Fat Transfer: Fat from another part of the body is harvested and injected into the cheeks to restore volume.
For Full Cheeks
Excessive volume in the cheeks can contribute to an appearance of a bloated or formless cheek area. Cheek reduction procedures like buccal fat removal can help to precisely define the cheek and cheekbones.
- Buccal Fat Removal: This surgical procedure involves removing excess fat from the buccal fat pads to create a more sculpted cheek appearance.
For Cheekbone Definition
Altering the underlying bone structure can help redefine the upper face and cheek area. Cheek surgery procedures like zygoma reduction plasty (cheekbone reduction surgery) can achieve this.
- Zygoma Reduction Plasty: This surgery reduces the prominence of the cheekbones to create a more balanced facial appearance.
For Dimples
Dimples can be created with a simple surgical procedure that alters the soft tissue of the cheek along the smile lines.
- Dimpleplasty: This procedure creates dimples by making small incisions inside the mouth and manipulating the cheek muscles.
At-Home and Non-Surgical Options
Skincare Routine
A consistent skincare routine can help maintain the elasticity and health of the skin, contributing to a more youthful appearance.
- Moisturizers: Keeping the skin hydrated helps maintain its elasticity.
- Anti-Aging Products: Products containing retinoids, peptides, and antioxidants can support collagen production and skin health.
Makeup Techniques
Makeup can temporarily enhance cheek volume and definition.
- Contour and Highlight: Using contouring and highlighting techniques can create the illusion of higher cheekbones and more defined cheeks.
Lifestyle Changes
Healthy lifestyle choices can support overall skin health and appearance.
- Diet: A balanced diet rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants supports skin health.
- Exercise: Regular exercise improves blood circulation and supports overall skin health.
- Hydration: Drinking plenty of water keeps the skin hydrated and elastic.
Professional Consultation
Before undergoing any cosmetic procedure, it is important to consult with a qualified plastic surgeon or dermatologist. They can assess your unique facial structure and aesthetic goals to recommend the most suitable treatment options.
The Takeaway
It’s no secret that full, toned, and defined features are considered the hallmark of a youthful appearance. Regular skincare and contouring with makeup can help to define the cheek and assist with maintaining skin tone. Unfortunately, genetics and Mother Nature cannot be controlled, and the development of the cheekbone and jawline, loss of volume in the cheek, and deepening of the nasolabial folds and smile lines all contribute to possibly unsatisfactory cheek volume and definition.
Fortunately, numerous procedures exist, including injectables such as Botox and hyaluronic acid, cheek fillers, solutions to enhance collagen production, and surgical interventions. A consultation with a plastic surgeon can determine which solution will create your ideal appearance.
By exploring the various options and understanding the anatomy and factors that influence cheek volume and definition, you can achieve a balanced and aesthetically pleasing look that enhances your natural beauty.
