Sagging Cheeks: Causes and Treatments

Cheeks are often the first place we notice subtle signs of ageing. As skin loses elasticity and volume over time, our once-firm cheeks can begin to sag, which makes us look tired or older than we feel. But don’t worry, modern skincare, lifestyle choices, and cosmetic advancements offer many ways to lift and rejuvenate sagging cheeks.

Keep reading to learn about all the sagging cheeks causes and ways to prevent and treat the problem. We’ll cover both natural remedies and medical solutions to help you address the issue. Whether you prefer at-home care or are considering a procedure, there’s something here for every gentle lift.

Causes of Sagging Cheeks

Saggy cheeks can change the way our face looks, often making us appear older or worn out. Let’s take a closer look at what actually causes this common concern.

1. Sun Exposure

Spending too much time in the sun without protection can damage your skin over time. UV rays break down the skin’s support structure, which speeds up sagging and ageing.

2. Weight Loss

Losing a lot of weight quickly can leave the skin without enough time to adjust, making it loose and saggy, especially in areas like the cheeks.

3. Changes in Bone Structure

With age, the bones in our face, especially around the cheeks and jawline, can lose density. This weakens the support under the skin, causing it to droop.

4. Unhealthy Habits

Things like smoking, drinking too much alcohol, and eating poorly can affect your skin’s health. These habits slow down collagen production, which leads to looser, tired-looking skin.

5. Natural Loss of Collagen and Elastin

As we grow older, the skin gradually loses collagen and elastin, which are essential for keeping it firm and bouncy. Without them, the cheeks can start to sag.

6. Genetic Factors

Sometimes, sagging cheeks run in the family. Your skin type and facial structure, which are inherited, play a role in how early or how much your skin may droop.

Facial Exercises to Get Rid of Sagging Cheeks

Here are some easy facial exercises worth trying:

1. Cheek Puff Exercise

Fill your mouth with air and hold it in one cheek for a few seconds, then switch to the other side. Repeat a few times on each side. This movement helps activate your cheek muscles and supports a firmer look.

2. Jaw Movements

Slowly open your mouth as wide as you can, hold it for a few seconds, then gently close it. You can also move your jaw from side to side or push it slightly forward. These moves help engage the muscles around your jawline and lower cheeks.

3. Cheek Lifting with Fingers

Smile gently and place your fingertips just above your cheekbones. Use your fingers to lift the skin upward while pushing back slightly with your cheek muscles. Repeat this movement to target the upper cheek area.

4. Fish Face Exercise

Suck your cheeks inward toward your teeth to make a fish face. Hold this position for a few seconds, then relax. Repeating this exercise helps tone the cheek and jaw muscles.

5. Gentle Face Massage

Using clean hands, lightly massage your cheeks and jaw in upward circular motions. Facial massage can boost blood flow, ease tension, and support healthier-looking skin.

Best Treatments to Get Rid of Sagging Cheeks Fast

Non Surgical Procedures

There are several non-invasive treatments available that can help refresh your facial appearance without the need for surgery. These modern techniques focus on lifting the skin, improving texture, stimulating natural collagen production, or restoring lost volume.

Let’s take a look at some of the most commonly used non-invasive options:

1. Cheek Fillers

Injectable fillers made with hyaluronic acid are a quick and effective way to bring back volume in the midface. They help rebuild the structure in the cheeks, giving a gentle lift and improving facial contours. The treatment usually takes around 20 minutes, delivers instant results, and doesn’t require any recovery time. It’s one of the most popular choices for early signs of sagging.

2. Endolift

Endolift is a minimally invasive laser-based treatment that tightens and lifts sagging skin by targeting the deeper layers beneath the surface. A fine fibre-optic laser is inserted under the skin to stimulate collagen production and gently melt away fat if needed. It’s a great option for contouring the cheeks and jawline with minimal downtime and visible improvements that continue to develop over time.

3. Morpheus8

This treatment combines microneedling with radiofrequency (RF) energy to improve skin tone, texture, and tightness. Morpheus8 reaches deep into the skin layers to boost collagen and elastin production, offering a smoother, firmer look over time. It’s ideal for people looking to rejuvenate saggy areas, including the cheeks, and is usually done in multiple sessions for best results.

4. Radiofrequency (RF)

RF treatments use controlled heat to reach the deeper layers of your skin. This stimulates collagen production, firms up loose areas, and gradually lifts the skin. While it doesn’t add volume, it helps restore firmness and is especially helpful when combined with other treatments. You’ll likely need several sessions to see visible, lasting results.

5. Thread Lift

A thread lift involves placing thin, dissolvable threads under the skin to lift and support sagging cheeks. It offers a more subtle improvement than surgery but still creates a noticeable lifting effect. The results are temporary, but it’s a good option for those not ready for a full facelift.

In addition to cheek sagging, many people also struggle with saggy jowls as part of the facial ageing process. Combining treatments that address both areas can lead to a more balanced and youthful facial contour.

6. Non-Surgical Facelift Combinations

Some clinics offer a combination of treatments like chin fillers in London and wrinkle-smoothing injections (such as botulinum toxin) to give the face a refreshed & lifted appearance. This type of non-surgical facelift focuses on restoring structure and smoothing out the skin without any cuts or stitches. It’s tailored to each person’s needs for a more natural-looking result.

Surgical Procedures

For those looking for the most effective and long-lasting way to treat sagging cheeks, surgical procedures often deliver the most dramatic and reliable results. Surgery is especially ideal for people who have moderate to severe skin laxity or want more permanent results compared to non-invasive methods.

Here are some of the most common surgical options used to address drooping cheeks:

1. Mini Facelift

A mini facelift is a less invasive alternative that focuses mainly on the midface and cheek area. It uses smaller incisions, typically around the ears, and requires less recovery time. This option is ideal for those with early signs of ageing and mild to moderate cheek sagging. Despite being a lighter procedure, the results can still last for many years.

2. Cheek Implants

Cheek augmentation with implants is designed to enhance volume and structure in the cheek area. It’s a good option for individuals who have hollow or flat cheeks and want more definition. The procedure has a short downtime, although swelling can be expected in the first few days.

3. Micro Facelift

A micro facelift is a very subtle surgical lift using tiny incisions, usually hidden behind the ear. It focuses on tightening loose muscles and skin around the lower cheek area. It’s often recommended for younger patients, especially in their 30s, who are just beginning to notice facial sagging. This procedure can be completed quickly, often within an hour.

4. Fat Transfer (Fat Grafting)

This treatment uses your body’s own fat, collected through gentle liposuction, which is then carefully injected into areas of the face that have lost volume. It not only improves cheek shape and fullness but also helps smooth out fine lines. Fat transfer offers a natural look and can last longer than dermal fillers.

5. Traditional Facelift

A full facelift is one of the most comprehensive procedures for facial ageing. It works by tightening the underlying muscles, removing excess skin, and lifting the deeper facial tissues. This surgery targets both the cheeks and jawline, which helps to smooth sagging areas and create a more refreshed, youthful appearance.

How to Prevent Sagging Cheeks?

Here are some simple ways to help prevent sagging cheeks and keep your skin looking firm over time:

• Wear sunscreen daily to protect your skin from UV damage.
• Stay hydrated to keep your skin plump and healthy.
• Follow a balanced diet rich in vitamins and antioxidants.
• Avoid smoking as it speeds up skin ageing and breaks down collagen.
• Get enough sleep to support your skin’s natural repair process.
• Use skincare products that boost collagen and improve elasticity.
• Maintain a stable weight to avoid sudden fat loss in the face.
• Practise gentle facial massage to improve circulation and tone.
• Limit alcohol intake as it can dehydrate and weaken the skin.
• Start facial exercises early to help strengthen cheek muscles.

It’s also a good idea to care for your neck skin early on, as it’s highly prone to sagging over time. If you’re dealing with loose skin in that area, here’s a helpful guide on how to get rid of saggy neck to complement your facial routine.

Final Thoughts

Cheek sagging is a natural part of ageing, caused by declining collagen, fat loss, weakening muscles, and lifestyle triggers. While we cannot stop time, we can certainly counteract its effects through treatments and prevention. Start with healthy living and consistent skincare; add facial exercises and massage; consider fillers or thread lifts for moderate lift. For those seeking dramatic change, surgical lifts provide the most lasting results.

Frequently Asked Questions