High cheekbones sit closer to the eyes, with their widest point near the outer corner of the eye; low cheekbones sit nearer the level of the nose or mouth. Cheekbone position is mainly determined by the shape of the zygomatic bone, but fat and skin over the bone change how prominent they look. Dermal filler can add projection and definition, while fat grafting or implants are surgical alternatives.
What makes cheekbones high or low?
The cheekbone is formed by the zygomatic bone and the zygomatic arch, which runs back towards the ear. The height and projection of this bone are largely genetic and vary with ethnic background. Overlying fat pads, muscle and skin thickness then affect how visible the cheekbones are. Someone with high cheekbones and little facial fat may have a sculpted look; the same bones covered by fuller cheeks may appear softer.
How to tell which you have
- High cheekbones: the most prominent point is just below the outer corner of the eye, often with a natural hollow beneath.
- Low cheekbones: fullness is concentrated lower, around the level of the nostrils or mouth, with less definition beneath the eye.
- Flat cheekbones: less forward projection, so the mid-face may look flatter from the side.
Looking at your face in natural light from slightly above, or feeling for the bone with your fingertips, can help. Neither type is better than the other.
How ageing affects the cheeks
From middle age, the fat pads of the cheek thin and descend, and some bone is gradually lost from the mid-face. Cheekbones that were once well defined may look flatter, and descended fat can deepen the nose-to-mouth folds and contribute to jowls. This is why restoring cheek support is often part of facial rejuvenation.
Non-surgical options
Make-up contouring and highlighting can create the illusion of higher cheekbones. Hyaluronic acid dermal filler placed carefully over the cheekbone can add projection, lift and definition, and may soften the tear trough and nose-to-mouth area indirectly. Results are temporary, commonly lasting many months, and depend on the product. Risks include bruising, swelling, lumps, asymmetry, and rarely blockage of a blood vessel, so treatment must be carried out by a trained medical practitioner who understands facial anatomy. Too much filler can produce an unnatural, overfilled look.
Surgical options
Fat grafting (fat transfer) uses your own fat, taken by gentle liposuction, to add volume to the cheeks. Some of the transferred fat is reabsorbed, so more than one session may be needed, but the fat that survives can be long-lasting. Cheek implants are an alternative for people with flat cheekbones, though they carry risks including infection and implant movement. Where cheek fullness has descended with age, a facelift or deep plane facelift can reposition the tissues rather than simply adding volume. Mr Nassab will advise on which approach suits your anatomy and goals.
Lower cheek fullness and cheekbones
Some people with low or less defined cheekbones also have fullness in the lower cheek. Buccal fat removal is not offered by Mr Nassab. The face also naturally loses volume with age, so where heaviness of the lower face or jawline is the concern, he may discuss alternatives he does offer, such as chin and neck liposuction, FaceTite, a mini facelift or a facelift.
Choosing between filler and surgery
Filler suits people who want a subtle, adjustable change and are happy to maintain it. Fat grafting may suit those who want a longer-lasting result and have some fat to spare. Where sagging rather than lack of volume is the issue, lifting surgery is usually more appropriate than adding volume. Mr Nassab will explain the trade-offs honestly.
Cost and next steps
Mr Nassab does not perform cheek filler; at CLNQ it is provided by CLNQ’s non-surgical doctors and priced according to the amount required. A facelift costs from £14,500; a deep plane face and neck lift from £18,500 and a mini facelift from £8,000. The consultation fee of £150 is separate. Aesthetic treatments are provided only to adults aged 18 and over.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are high cheekbones more attractive?
High cheekbones are often portrayed as desirable, but attractiveness depends on overall facial balance. Low cheekbones are equally normal.
Can you get higher cheekbones without surgery?
Dermal filler can add projection and lift to the cheekbone area. It is temporary and needs maintenance.
How long does cheek filler last?
Typically many months, depending on the product and the individual’s metabolism.
Is fat transfer to the cheeks permanent?
Some grafted fat is reabsorbed, but fat that establishes a blood supply can be long-lasting, though it still changes with weight and ageing.
