What causes sunken cheeks and how can they be treated?

Generally, cheek hollowing may be caused by irregular作息 (lifestyle patterns), excessive weight loss, malnutrition, facial nerve paralysis, or aspartylglucosamineuria, and can be treated under a doctor's guidance through lifestyle improvements, hyaluronic acid injections, laser therapy, or medication. Detailed explanations are as follows:

1. Irregular作息 (Lifestyle Patterns)

Long-term late nights and insufficient sleep may lead to metabolic disorders, affecting normal skin metabolism and repair functions, resulting in facial hollowing. Maintaining regular作息 (lifestyle habits) and ensuring adequate sleep can help alleviate symptoms.

2. Excessive Weight Loss

Extreme dieting or inappropriate weight loss methods may reduce subcutaneous fat, causing excessive cheek hollowing. It is recommended to choose healthy weight loss methods and avoid excessive dieting. Hyaluronic acid injections may also be considered under a doctor's advice, injecting hyaluronic acid into the hollowed areas of the cheeks to increase subcutaneous tissue volume. The general reference price for hyaluronic acid injection is 1000-3000 yuan per session, with visible improvement typically seen within 1-2 weeks; however, adverse reactions such as allergic responses or uneven injection may occur.

3. Malnutrition

Long-term dietary imbalance may lead to deficiencies in essential nutrients, causing malnutrition and insufficient facial fat reserves, resulting in cheek hollowing. Laser therapy may also be performed under medical advice, using laser energy to penetrate deep into the skin tissue, stimulating collagen regeneration for repair and filling. The general reference price for laser therapy is 2000-5000 yuan per session, with visible improvement typically seen within 1-2 weeks; however, side effects such as pigmentation or skin sensitivity may occur.

4. Facial Nerve Paralysis

Trauma or irritation is the main cause of facial nerve paralysis. Facial nerve damage affecting muscle function may lead to cheek hollowing. This condition is usually accompanied by symptoms such as facial muscle paralysis and restricted facial expressions. Treatment under medical guidance may involve medications such as prednisone acetate tablets, mecobalamin capsules, or adenoxenamine tablets.

5. Aspartylglucosamineuria

Aspartylglucosamineuria is primarily related to genetic factors. This condition may lead to the accumulation of metabolic products in the face, resulting in the aforementioned symptoms. It may be accompanied by short stature and motor clumsiness. Medications such as chlorpromazine hydrochloride tablets, phenytoin sodium tablets, or carbamazepine tablets may be used under medical guidance.

Maintaining a balanced diet, appropriately supplementing protein and collagen, and avoiding excessive dieting or picky eating can help maintain skin health.