What causes changes in the Cheeks?

The cheeks play a central role in facial structure, contour, and overall balance. They support surrounding features, and influence how the face appears from both the front and side profile. As part of the natural ageing process, fat pads in the cheeks diminish, shift down the face, and contribute to hollowing and sagging skin. Changes in this area over time can influence how other parts of the face appear, particularly the under-eye area and the nasolabial folds.

Anatomical diagram of the cheek area showing fat compartments, and bone.

Anatomy of the Cheeks

The cheeks are composed of multiple anatomical layers, including the skin, subcutaneous fat compartments, facial muscles, and underlying bone.

Fat pads within the cheeks contribute to volume and contour, playing a key role in supporting the skin. These fat pads sit over the cheekbone and contribute to the natural shape of the mid-face.

The underlying cheekbone (zygoma) provides structural support for the overlying tissues and influences the projection and shape of the face.

Muscles involved in facial expression, including those responsible for smiling, interact with the fat pads and influence movement and cheek volume in the area.

Together, these anatomical components contribute to the overall appearance of the cheeks and how they may change over time.

The Role of mid-face fat pads and cheek volume

Cheek volume plays an important role in maintaining facial balance, supporting the skin, and surrounding structures. The cheeks support the transition between the under-eyes and can influence the appearance of the nasolabial folds.

Fat pad position and volume influences how the face appears from both frontal and side profile views. Changes in this region can affect how facial contours appear over time, particularly in relation to mid-face balance.

How structural support and volume changes over time

The cheek area contains multiple fat pads, connective tissue, and underlying bone that contribute to facial contour. Over time, changes in these structures are caused by a combination of factors, including structural and volume-related changes, and influence how the cheeks appear.

These changes may influence the appearance of:
• flattening of the mid-face
• changes in contour
• increased prominence of nasolabial folds

These changes are often considered as part of broader facial structure and volume changes during a consultation.

Relationship to the Under-Eye Area

The cheeks provide support to the area beneath the eyes. Volume loss changes in the cheek region from pat pad depletion and bone resorption occurs naturally over time. These structural changes may influence how the under-eye area appears, particularly in relation to hollowing and shadowing under the eyes.

Movement and Facial Expression

Facial expressions involve multiple muscles across the mid-face. Movement from smiling and other expressions can influence fine lines and cheek volume from interacting with the superficial fat pads in the mid-face.

You can learn more about how muscle movement contributes to cheek lines and in surrounding areas such as around the sides of they eyes.

Other Contributing Factors

Factors such as genetics, lifestyle, sleep positions, and environmental exposure may also influence changes in the cheek area over time.

How the Cheeks are Assessed

During a consultation, the cheeks are assessed in relation to overall facial balance. This may include consideration of skin quality, facial structure, and wrinkle formation, depending on individual concerns.

Frequently Asked Questions

Cheek volume loss may occur due to structural and anatomical changes over time, including changes in fat pad depletion and repositioning, as well as bone resorption affecting bone structure support.

The cheeks provide structural support to the mid-face and influence overall facial contour and balance from front and side profile views.

Changes in the cheeks may influence the appearance of the under-eye area and nasolabial folds due to their supportive role.

Changes may occur due to structural shifts in fat compartments, connective tissue, and bone, along with natural ageing processes.

Yes, facial expressions such as smiling involve muscles in the cheek area, which can influence how the area changes over time.