The different types of cheekbones
The ideal cheekbone is centred on the malar bone, neither too high nor too low, and forms a gentle curve from the nose to the upper attachment of the ear.
There are five types of cheekbones, often characteristic of a particular face shape.
- High cheekbones are characteristic of long and oval faces ; they begin at the temple and narrow downwards, curving near the eye socket.
- Low cheekbones are characteristic of square, round and triangular faces ; they form a curve from the corners of the lips to the earlobes.
- Central cheekbones are characteristic of oval, long, round and heart-shaped faces; they are centred on the malar bone.
- Wide cheekbones are characteristic of square and round faces ; they lie midway between high and central cheekbones.
- Small cheekbones can occur in any face shape.
Why do I lack prominent cheekbones ?
There are several reasons why you may not have prominent cheekbones.
The first is genetics : bone structure and the distribution of facial fat vary from person to person.
Another reason may be age-related volume loss : over time, collagen and elastin production declines, causing a loss of firmness and volume around the cheekbones. Facial fat distribution also changes, which can make the cheekbones look flatter or hollow.
Finally, environmental and lifestyle factors may also play a role. Excessive sun exposure, an unhealthy lifestyle, smoking and insufficient hydration can accelerate skin ageing and change the contour of the cheekbones.
Why have hyaluronic acid cheekbone injections ?
Injecting hyaluronic acid into the cheekbones is an increasingly popular aesthetic procedure because it effectively rejuvenates the face and redefines its contours. It restores volume lost with age and improves facial harmony without surgery.
The benefits of this procedure are :
- Improved facial symmetry : well-proportioned cheekbones balance the face.
- Facial rejuvenation : added volume reduces wrinkles and hollows and restores youthful fullness.
- A quick and effective procedure : results are visible immediately without side effects or social downtime.
- Natural results : this treatment safely enhances the face when performed by an experienced doctor.
How can cheekbones be lifted without surgery ? Cheekbone lifting with injections
Cheekbone augmentation and lifting are performed with hyaluronic acid injections.
For patients with sagging cheekbones, volumising treatment is preceded by the medical facelift technique developed by Dr Mauricio di Maio. This is one application of the MD Codes.
Injections are performed with a needle. The hyaluronic acid used is very firm and injected against the bone. Strategic injection sites are tailored to each patient’s anatomy.
Cheekbone lifting immediately creates a more rested, youthful appearance and lifts sagging tissues. The face looks slimmer (facial slimming), the jawline is better defined and jowls disappear or become less noticeable.
How can I achieve high cheekbones ?
Hyaluronic acid injections in the cheekbones are a common aesthetic procedure to restore volume and improve cheekbone definition.
In younger patients without cheekbone sagging, injections add volume.
The aim is to create harmonious, natural cheekbones with the projection and shape best suited to each face (see the five cheekbone types above).
Injections are performed with a cannula or needle depending on anatomical requirements. Dr Romano likes the result of the sandwich technique, which combines very deep and deep injections.
For very deep injections, the product is placed against the bone. The hyaluronic acid used is very firm and has lifting properties.
For deep injections, the product is injected into the deep malar fat. The hyaluronic acid used is firm and volumising.
These two techniques can be combined according to the patient’s anatomy and wishes.
What happens during a hyaluronic acid injection session for the cheekbones ?
An initial consultation assesses the patient’s needs, discusses expectations and examines facial anatomy. Dr Romano then develops a personalised treatment plan.
The treatment area is thoroughly disinfected and pencil marks are made on the skin to identify injection sites specific to the patient’s facial structure.
Dr Romano uses fine needles or cannulas. The precise technique depends on the patient’s anatomy and desired results.
Volume is adjusted gradually to achieve a symmetrical, natural result (during injections, Dr Romano discusses the desired final volume with the patient).
Dr Romano massages and shapes the injected area to ensure even distribution of the product.
How should you prepare your skin before cheekbone injections ?
To prepare your skin before hyaluronic acid injections for the cheekbones, it is helpful to follow some advice.
- Avoid certain medicines and supplements : one week before injections, it is recommended to avoid medicines that can thin the blood, such as anti-inflammatory drugs, and certain supplements including omega-3, vitamin E, ginkgo biloba and turmeric. This reduces the risk of bleeding and bruising after injections. Anticoagulant and antiplatelet medicines must only be stopped following advice from the prescribing doctor.
- Avoid alcohol and smoking : avoid drinking alcohol for at least 24 to 48 hours before treatment, as it can dilate blood vessels and increase the risk of swelling or bruising.
- Cleanse your skin : ideally, arrive at the practice on the day of injections without make-up or creams on your skin. Otherwise, the necessary cleansing will be performed at the practice.
- Protect your skin from the sun : avoid excessive sun and UV exposure in the days before injections, as irritated or sunburnt skin is more sensitive to treatment. Use broad-spectrum sunscreen to protect your skin.
- Tell your doctor about your health : if you have medical conditions, allergies or take medication, inform the doctor before your session.
What precautions should you take after hyaluronic acid injections for the cheekbones ?
Specific aftercare instructions are provided to optimise results and minimise the risk of side effects.
- Avoid touching or massaging the treated area : for at least 24 to 48 hours, do not touch or massage your cheekbones unless Dr Romano has specifically advised you to do so. This allows the product to settle properly and helps prevent migration.
- Avoid heat exposure : during the first few days, avoid intense heat such as saunas, steam rooms, hot baths and prolonged sun exposure. Heat can dilate blood vessels and cause swelling or bruising.
- Avoid alcohol and smoking : avoid drinking alcohol and smoking for at least 24 hours after treatment. This is strongly recommended but not compulsory.
- Avoid intense physical exercise : do not exercise for 24 to 48 hours after injections. Physical exertion can increase blood flow to the treated area, causing additional swelling or discomfort.
- Sleep on your back : try to sleep on your back for the first few days to avoid pressure on the cheekbones. However, a different sleeping position will not move the product.
- Do not schedule other aesthetic treatments immediately : avoid other facial treatments such as chemical peels, microdermabrasion or lasers for at least three weeks after injections, unless Dr Romano has given you different instructions.
- Monitor side effects : although side effects are rare, watch for excessive redness, unusual swelling, severe pain or signs of infection. If you are unsure or experience concerning symptoms, contact the injecting doctor immediately.
What are the side effects and after-effects of cheekbone injections ?
Although generally safe and well tolerated, cheekbone injections can cause certain side effects. These are usually mild and temporary, but it is important to know about them so you are well prepared before treatment.
- Mild swelling.
- Redness around injection sites.
- Bruising.
- Pain or tenderness : some patients may experience mild pain, tingling or increased sensitivity in treated areas.
- Small lumps or irregularities beneath the skin : immediately after injections, small lumps may be felt under the skin. These are due to inflammation and the presence of the product. They disappear within two weeks once the product has fully integrated.
- Temporary itching.
Hyaluronic acid cheekbone injections before/after
After injections, the cheekbones are defined and prominent, and the face looks more rested. The lifting effect slims the lower third of the face and reduces nasolabial folds.
The volume created respects the patient’s wishes. Even when some patients request substantial amounts, Dr Romano always recommends a natural result, aiming to enhance and soften faces rather than overfill them.
Cheekbone injections for women before/after
Cheekbone injections in women feminise the face. Before injections, cheekbones are often flat or hollow. Afterwards, they are fuller, more defined and rejuvenated, and the face is more harmonious and balanced.
What results can you expect from hyaluronic acid injections in the cheekbones ?
Results are visible immediately after injections, but cheekbone volume and contours continue to improve over three weeks.
This procedure creates prominent, well-defined cheekbones and restores volume lost over time, improving the jawline and providing a natural lifting effect.
Lifting the cheekbones with injections also helps reduce cheekbone wrinkles and correct skin laxity.
Cheekbone reshaping restores a youthful appearance to the face.
This treatment can correct drooping cheekbones, compensate for volume loss or simply enhance their beauty.
How long do cheekbone injections last ?
The duration of the effect varies according to the product and injection technique used.
Dr Romano exclusively uses very firm, highly cross-linked products : results last between eight months and one year depending on skin quality, lifestyle and the patient’s metabolism.
The effects of Sculptra last around two years.
Prices of hyaluronic acid injections for the cheekbones
The price of cheekbone augmentation can vary according to several factors, including the technique used and the type and quality of product.
How much does cheekbone augmentation cost ? A quotation is provided on the day of consultation. The price of hyaluronic acid injections for the cheekbones is 600 CHF per syringe.
The price of polylactic acid injections for the cheekbones is 900 CHF per vial.
The choice between these products depends on the desired effect, skin quality and the treatment strategy agreed during consultation.
Hyaluronic acid for the cheekbones : why is it the best choice ?
Hyaluronic acid is considered the best choice for several reasons.
- Its effectiveness in creating harmonious, prominent cheekbones while preserving a natural, fresh appearance.
- Its immediate and reversible results.
- The ability to fill the cheekbones by restoring volume where it is lacking.
- A hydrating effect that improves skin quality.
- Subtle but visible cheekbone elevation.
- Creating a cheekbone lifting effect without surgery.
- Tailored cheekbone reshaping : the concentration and viscosity of hyaluronic acid can be selected according to the desired result.
Hyaluronic acid or Radiesse for the cheekbones : which product should you choose ?
Hyaluronic acid occurs naturally in the skin. Hyaluronic acid injections are the most widely used technique for tailored cheekbone augmentation (the shape and volume depend on the patient’s wishes), subtle reshaping and lifting of the cheekbones and face.
Radiesse is a filler based on calcium hydroxylapatite, a substance not naturally present in the skin.
Radiesse is generally used for patients seeking a more structured result and wishing to correct more pronounced signs of ageing.
The choice between hyaluronic acid and Radiesse depends on the desired effect and the characteristics of the patient’s skin.
Dr Romano does not use Radiesse, considering its results quite variable, short-lived and less natural.
Hyaluronic acid or polylactic acid for the cheekbones : which product should you choose ?
The choice between hyaluronic acid and polylactic acid for cheekbone injections depends on aesthetic goals and the desired result.
Hyaluronic acid provides immediate, natural results.
Polylactic acid, Sculptra, is a biocompatible, biodegradable product that stimulates collagen production in the skin. Its results are gradual rather than immediate.
This option is ideal for patients seeking more gradual and longer-lasting cheekbone elevation, overall improvement in skin quality and cheekbone lifting.
How can you plump the cheekbones ? Sculptra and hyaluronic acid are two effective solutions with different characteristics.
Cheekbone injections for men : why and how ?
Cheekbone injections are becoming increasingly popular among men. More and more men want to improve their appearance while retaining a natural, masculine look.
The benefits of cheekbone augmentation for men are : facial masculinisation, definition of features and correction of asymmetry or age-related volume loss.
Male cheekbone reshaping uses specific techniques designed to strengthen features and create a more structured face without feminising it.
At what age should you start cheekbone injections ?
There is no specific age to start hyaluronic acid injections for the cheekbones, as this depends primarily on each patient’s individual needs and aesthetic goals.
Initial injections are generally considered when signs of ageing begin, usually in the thirties or forties, when cheekbone volume starts to decrease and mild jawline sagging appears.
However, some younger patients in their twenties have treatment to correct asymmetries or achieve more prominent, better-defined cheekbones.
This procedure is recommended preventively to anticipate sagging and fat loss. Its advantage is a natural, gradual effect without waiting for signs of ageing to become too pronounced.
Asymmetrical cheekbones : how can injections correct facial asymmetry ?
Asymmetrical cheekbones can disrupt facial balance and harmony and cause self-consciousness.
Hyaluronic acid injections for the cheekbones are an effective solution to correct asymmetrical cheekbones subtly and non-invasively.
- Restoring balanced volume : injecting hyaluronic acid into the cheekbone lacking volume can create a perfect balance between the two sides of the face and restore a more harmonious appearance.
- Precise cheekbone reshaping : reshaping is tailored to the patient, targeting areas requiring more volume or definition to restore facial symmetry.
- Cheekbone elevation : by slightly raising the lower or less prominent cheekbone, injections provide a natural lifting effect that balances facial features and also improves the jawline.
- Adaptable treatment : hyaluronic acid allows precise volume adjustments according to the needs of each side of the face, for ideal facial harmony.
- A non-surgical solution to correct cheekbone asymmetry.
Cheekbone injections and swelling
Swelling after cheekbone injections is a normal, temporary reaction. It results from introducing hyaluronic acid into skin tissues, which may cause a mild inflammatory response.
Key facts about this swelling.
- Duration of swelling : swelling is often most pronounced in the 24 to 48 hours after injection. In most cases, it begins to subside after a few days and disappears completely within one week.
- Factors influencing swelling : several factors can affect its intensity and duration, including injection technique, product type, the amount injected and each patient’s individual response.
- Managing swelling : to reduce swelling, apply cold compresses (not ice cubes) to the injected area during the first 24 hours and take any medicines prescribed by Dr Romano.
Avoid touching or massaging the injected area unless Dr Romano specifically recommends it.
- Avoid aggravating factors : during the first few days after injections, avoid intense heat as it may worsen swelling. It is also advisable to avoid strenuous physical activity that would increase blood flow to the injected area.
Unsuccessful cheekbone injections
Cheekbone injections have become very popular, but carry risks when performed by non-doctors. It is essential to choose an experienced doctor who has mastered the technique.
Unsuccessful cheekbone treatment can result from : poor injection technique, an unsuitable product, a quantity inappropriate for the patient’s needs, poor assessment or an incorrect injection depth.
Poorly performed injections may produce unattractive results :
- Asymmetrical cheekbones.
- Excessive volume.
- An uneven appearance
- Visible and/or palpable lumps.
- Disruption of facial harmony and features.
- Altered facial contours.
- Reduced cheekbone attractiveness.
- Worsening tissue sagging.
- Unsatisfactory results.
- Short-lived results.
Serious medical complications are :
- Skin necrosis : blockage of a blood vessel causing tissue death.
- Persistent pain.
- Granulomas.
Why have more defined cheekbones ?
Over the years, cheekbone shape and projection change and the cheekbones sag. Cheekbone ageing progresses through several stages.
In the early stages, generally from the thirties, a slight reduction in cheekbone volume occurs as collagen and elastin production declines. Cheekbones begin to look less full and flatter.
Around the forties and fifties, subcutaneous fat loss increases, causing pronounced cheekbone sagging and the appearance or worsening of dark circles and tear troughs. The face looks hollow and tired.
In advanced ageing, generally from the sixties, the skin becomes looser and the cheekbones continue to descend. This loss of facial tissue structure and support worsens existing wrinkles and folds, particularly nasolabial folds and marionette lines, ageing the face.
Five stages are described :
Stage 0 : prominent cheekbone.
Stage 1 : slightly sagging cheekbone.
Stage 2 : moderately sagging cheekbone.
Stage 3 : markedly sagging cheekbone.
Stage 4 : very severely sagging cheekbone.
How can you highlight your cheekbones naturally ? Facial exercises for the cheekbones
For patients wanting to highlight their cheekbones naturally, simple techniques include facial exercises and self-massage. These methods may slightly tone facial muscles and improve circulation, providing a gentle lifting effect. However, results are very subtle and do not replace injections.
Here are some facial exercises and self-massage techniques to lift the cheekbones slightly.
- The big O exercise : open your mouth into the largest possible “O”. Hold for a few seconds, then relax. Repeat this exercise 10 times. It works the muscles around the cheekbones and may help tone them.
- Big O with massage : after forming a large “O” with your mouth, use your fingers to gently massage your cheekbones with small upward circular movements.
- The cheekbone-lifting smile : smile with your lips closed, trying to lift your cheekbones as high as possible. Hold for 5 seconds, then relax. Repeat this exercise 10 times to strengthen the muscles supporting the cheekbones.
- The smile with the lower lip tucked in : smile broadly while keeping your lower lip against your teeth. Hold for 5 seconds, then relax.
- The tongue-to-nose smile : smile while trying to touch your nose with your tongue. Hold for a few seconds, then relax. Repeat 10 times.
Cheekbone injection reviews
Reviews of cheekbone injections are generally very positive. Hyaluronic acid injections for the cheekbones are often recommended to address volume deficiency, rejuvenate the face and correct drooping or asymmetrical cheekbones.
Patients appreciate this non-surgical cheekbone reshaping technique.
For patients wondering how to increase cheekbone volume without surgery, reviews confirm that hyaluronic acid injections are a good choice for safety and effectiveness, producing harmonious results.
In a trial comparing 235 treated patients with 47 controls, hyaluronic acid injections were performed to restore volume in the cheeks and cheekbones. At six months, an improvement was observed in 85.6% of treated patients. At two years, the correction was maintained in nearly half of them. These results concern the gel studied.
After injections intended to restore volume in the cheeks and cheekbones, 92.8% of patients felt that their cheek volume had improved at six months. At two years, 79% still reported an improvement. Their satisfaction with cheekbone projection had also increased. These results are based on assessments by patients who followed the protocol studied.
In a study involving 60 adults, the same hyaluronic acid gel was injected using a cannula on one side of the face and a needle on the other. At one month, volume loss in the cheeks and cheekbones had improved by an average of 1.8 grades with the cannula and 1.9 grades with the needle on the assessment scale used. The two techniques therefore produced comparable results under the study conditions.
Frequently asked questions about cheekbones in Geneva
What is cheekbone treatment in aesthetic medicine ?
Cheekbone treatment in aesthetic medicine improves or restores the volume and shape of the cheekbones.
What are the benefits of cheekbone injections ?
Cheekbone treatment redefines facial contours, creates a more youthful appearance, corrects age-related volume loss and improves facial balance and symmetry.
Which products are used for cheekbone injections ?
The most widely used product is hyaluronic acid, recognised for its safety and effectiveness. Other options are collagen stimulators such as Sculptra or Radiesse.
How much do cheekbone injections cost ?
The cost varies depending on the amount and type of product used and the doctor’s experience. A personalised quotation is provided during the initial consultation.
How can you lift the cheekbones ?
To lift the cheekbones, hyaluronic acid injections are performed using a lifting technique rather than a filling technique.
What is the recovery period after cheekbone injections ?
Patients resume normal activities immediately after treatment. There is no recovery period.
Are cheekbone injections painful ?
Cheekbone injections are generally well tolerated. Fillers contain lidocaine, a local anaesthetic. Mild pain may occur after injection and resolves within a few days.
How should you choose the right doctor for cheekbone injections ?
It is important to choose a trained, experienced doctor because the result depends on the doctor’s expertise.
Can I combine cheekbone augmentation with other aesthetic procedures ?
Yes, cheekbone augmentation is commonly combined with other procedures such as a medical facelift or botulinum toxin injections.
What is the best technique for augmenting flat cheekbones ?
The best technique for augmenting flat cheekbones is hyaluronic acid injections. This filler is ideal for restoring volume and sculpting cheekbones naturally and harmoniously. Hyaluronic acid injections allow precise reshaping of the area.
What are the best techniques for successful cheekbone injections ?
For successful cheekbone injections, it is crucial to choose an experienced doctor who has fully mastered the injection technique and uses high-quality hyaluronic acid tailored to each patient’s specific needs.
Articles about cheekbones
- What is the price of hyaluronic acid injections in the cheekbones ?
- Cheekbone injections for women before/after, the results
- Cheekbone injection reviews
- Which hyaluronic acid for the cheekbones ?
- At what age should you start cheekbone injections ?
- Who can benefit from cheekbone injections ?
- Are there side effects or risks with cheekbone injections ?
- What are unsuccessful cheekbone injections ?
- How should you choose the right doctor for cheekbone injections ?
- How can I tell whether my cheekbones are sufficiently defined ?
- Comment faire tenir plus longtemps une injection des pommettes ?
- How do cheekbone injections differ from facial lipofilling for reshaping ?
- Are there natural solutions to add volume to the cheekbones ?
- How much hyaluronic acid is needed for cheekbone treatment ?
- What are the benefits of cheekbone injections ?
- Are cheekbone injections painful ?
- Do cheekbone injections significantly alter facial features ?
- How long do the results of cheekbone injections last ?
- Are cheekbone injection results visible immediately ?
- Why do some people have more prominent cheekbones than others ?
- What is the recovery period after cheekbone injections ?
- Can I combine cheekbone augmentation with other aesthetic procedures ?
- Why do I lack prominent cheekbones ?
- How can I achieve high cheekbones ?
- What are the best techniques for successful cheekbone injections ?
