What should I do if the cheeks are sunken on both sides of the face?

Generally, hollowing of the cheeks on both sides may be caused by factors such as genetics, aging, masseter muscle atrophy, malnutrition, or hyperthyroidism. Treatments such as autologous fat grafting, hyaluronic acid fillers, masseter muscle correction surgery, or medication may be used under the guidance of a physician. Specific analyses are as follows:

1. Genetics

Genetic factors may lead to individual differences in facial bone structure, such as high cheekbones or uneven distribution of facial fat, making the cheeks appear sunken. It is important to maintain a healthy lifestyle and balanced diet, avoiding excessive weight loss. Autologous fat grafting can also be performed under medical supervision. This involves extracting fat from another part of the body, processing it, and injecting it into the sunken areas of the cheeks to create a fuller facial appearance. The typical reference cost for autologous fat grafting is 20,000–50,000 RMB per session. Improvement is usually visible within 1–3 weeks after the procedure, although complications such as infection or fat liquefaction may occur.

2. Aging

With age, skin gradually becomes loose and facial fat diminishes, leading to hollowed cheeks. Regular exercise and sun protection are recommended. Hyaluronic acid fillers may also be administered under medical supervision—this involves injecting hyaluronic acid into the cheeks to restore volume and fullness. The typical reference cost for hyaluronic acid injections is 2,000–12,000 RMB per session. Relief is generally observed within 5–10 days after injection, although side effects such as pain at the injection site may occur.

3. Masseter Muscle Atrophy

Long-term disuse of the masseter muscles or lack of chewing exercise can lead to muscle atrophy and reduced muscle volume, weakening facial support and causing the cheeks to appear sunken. It is recommended to strengthen chewing exercises, maintain a balanced diet, and avoid extreme dieting. Under medical advice, masseter muscle correction surgery may be considered. This surgical procedure adjusts the size of the masseter muscle to improve facial contours. The typical reference cost for this surgery ranges from 1,000 to 30,000 RMB per session. Recovery usually occurs within 1–2 weeks post-surgery, though complications such as wound bleeding may arise.

4. Malnutrition

Long-term dietary imbalance and deficiency in essential nutrients can lead to malnutrition, which causes a reduction in facial fat and muscle atrophy, resulting in visibly sunken cheeks. Symptoms may include weight loss, pallor, and fatigue. Treatment may involve medications such as compound amino acid oral solution, five-dimensional lysine tablets, or vitamin D drops, as prescribed by a doctor.

5. Hyperthyroidism

Hyperthyroidism, often caused by genetic factors, pregnancy, or other reasons, accelerates metabolism and leads to decreased facial fat, resulting in hollowed cheeks. Common accompanying symptoms include palpitations, excessive sweating, increased appetite, and weight loss. Medications such as methimazole tablets, propylthiouracil tablets, or losartan potassium hydrochlorothiazide tablets may be used under medical supervision for treatment.

If necessary, it is recommended to visit a reputable hospital and undergo these procedures under the guidance of a qualified physician to ensure effectiveness and safety. In daily life, maintaining a healthy lifestyle, eating a balanced diet, avoiding picky eating or restrictive diets, exercising regularly, protecting against sun exposure, and undergoing routine health check-ups are essential for overall well-being.