What causes sunken cheeks?
Cheek volume loss: causes, assessment and a safe approach.
The short answer
Sunken cheeks can develop as the mid-face fat compartments change in volume and position with age, bone support decreases and skin elasticity declines. Weight loss, inherited facial structure and sun damage can make the appearance more noticeable.
A photograph alone is not enough to choose a treatment. Mid-face support, the under-eye transition, skin quality and facial proportions need to be assessed together. Filler may be considered for some people; others may need no procedure or a different approach.
What contributes to the change?
Facial ageing involves more than skin wrinkles. Deep fat, ligaments, muscles and bone structure change over time. Rapid or substantial weight loss can accentuate existing hollowness. Similar-looking cheeks can therefore have different underlying causes and require different plans.
When is an examination needed?
New one-sided hollowness, pain, numbness or other accompanying symptoms require medical assessment first. If an aesthetic procedure is being considered, discuss the product, injection plane, possible vascular complications and emergency management plan.
Medical content
Medical content and review: Dr. Burak Gümüşçü. Original publication and update: 17 September 2026. This information does not replace examination or diagnosis.
Sources
Individual assessment
Suitability and a treatment plan are determined after a medical examination. Results vary between individuals.
Contact and appointmentsTürkçeMedical content: Dr. Burak Gümüşçü.