Foolproof Solution for Fuller Cheeks

Full cheeks are a facial trait that never goes out of style, a quintessential sign of youth and beauty. And, although some of us are lucky enough to be born with naturally high cheekbones, there are multiple ways to achieve a sculpted look if you’re not one of them. “There are so many great ways to augment the cheek area now,” says Weston, MA, facial plastic surgeon James Alex, MD. “Your concerns, how your cheeks have aged and what kind of result you are looking for will determine what option you’re best-suited for.”

To restore volume lost with age or to provide definition, your plastic surgeon or dermatologist can inject fillers along the cheekbone. While there are a variety of injectables available, different ones produce varying effects—and not all of them last the same amount of time. “Technically, there are no fillers approved by the FDA for use in this area, but there are several options that are considered to be safe and effective,” explains Dr. D.J. Verret. For temporary correction, Dr. D.J. Verret suggests hyaluronic acid fillers like Restylane and Juvéderm, as well as collagen-stimulators Radiesse and Sculptra Aesthetic (which last longer). “For a more permanent solution, consider fat transfer, a procedure where fat is removed from the belly or thighs, and injected into the face,” Dr. D.J. Verret says. “While it may take several treatments to get optimal results, the results are more permanent, which some patients prefer.”