Flat Cheekbones Symptoms & Causes

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The symptoms

Lack of midface projection

Poor facial contour

Wider or flatter facial appearance

Droopy or aged appearance

Hollow or sunken look

Imbalanced facial proportions

When to see a doctor?

Consultation Is The Key

What are the medical conditions to watch for?

In general, flat cheekbones are normal facial features and typically not a medical problem. However, you may need to consult your doctor for the following reasons:

If your cheekbones look flat after a trauma or injury.
If you suspect that you have underlying conditions that can cause to your cheekbones to look flat.
If you have abnormalities in the chin, cheekbones, eyes, and ears due to a genetic condition such as Treacher Collins Syndrome.
If you are planning to improve your facial contours with cheek implants or fillers.

It is best to consult your trusted health provider if you are not sure about your conditions.

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Advised treatments

Skin Treatment

Skin Treatment

Skin Treatment

Skin Treatment

The causes

What causes flat cheekbones?

Flat cheekbones can be caused by several factors, such as:

Genetics: If most of the members of your family have flat cheekbones, you may also have them as well, as they may be inherited.
Ageing: Our cheekbones can look flatter because the skin loses its volume and elasticity as we age.
Health Conditions: Our facial structures may be affected by several conditions such as facial injury or trauma, birth defects, or medical conditions like Treacher Collins Syndrome.
Poor Nutrition or Weight Loss: Significant weight loss or poor eating habits diminish facial fats, which may lead to less defined cheekbones.

The risk factors

What are the bad effects of having flat cheekbones?

Look aged and tired: Less prominent cheekbones can make the person look old and tired, as prominent cheekbones can make facial features look contoured and young.
Less facial support: Cheekbones provide structural support for the face muscles and skin. Flat cheeks can make the skin become saggy, eventually leading to fine lines, wrinkles, and hollow cheeks.
Weaker defense for facial tissues: Cheekbones protect sensitive facial tissues such as eyes and nasal airways; your face may have less protection from trauma or injury if you have flat cheekbones.
Effect on facial balance: Flat cheekbones may create asymmetrical facial features.
Low confidence and self-esteem: Having flat cheekbones can affect the confidence of some individuals; they may think that they look unappealing to other people.

The complications

Overall Impact

Symmetry and Structural Problems

Effect on facial appearance:
Cheekbones provide structure and a youthful look on the face, having flat cheekbones can make a face look sunken, aged, and tired, especially as one ages.
Sagging skin:
Flat cheekbones may provide less support to the face, leading to the development of wrinkles or sagging skin.

Under-eye issues:
Cheekbones provide support for the skin and tissues under the eye area, having flat cheekbones can create a hollow or dark undereye.
Affects facial symmetry:
Flat cheekbones can affect the balance of the face, making less defined jawlines.

The prevention

Maintain Healthy Skin And Bones

How does dehydration contribute to flat cheekbones?

Dehydration may affect the firmness and elasticity of the skin and may cause dryness and a hollow appearance of the cheeks. Drinking plenty of water can make the skin hydrated and supple.

Boost Vitamin D and Calcium

Vitamins like vitamin D and calcium are important for strong bones, take food that is rich in these vitamins like dairy products and green leafy vegetables, as it can strengthen your bones. You may also acquire vitamin D from the morning sun.

Protect The Skin From Ageing

Does sun exposure have a big effect?

Excessive exposure to the sun can accelerate ageing by degrading collagen and elastin, which eventually causes damage to the skin. Damaged skin around your cheekbones may become saggy or wrinkled. To help shield your skin from the sun’s UV rays, apply sunscreen every day.

Avoid smoking

Smoking can break down collagen, accelerating ageing that leads to skin sagging and the development of wrinkles. Quitting smoking can prevent signs of ageing, and maintain glowing and youthful skin.

Strengthen Facial Muscles

Does facial exercise help?

Defined cheekbones can be maintained if the muscles under the skin are firmed. Try to do some exercises such as cheek lifts or pressing your fingers against your cheeks can help strengthen the muscles.

Massage the face regularly

Make facial massage a habit as it can help with blood flow, decrease tension, and strengthen the muscles under your skin. Use a high-quality facial oil or cream to massage your face, and achieve natural lift and firmness of the skin.

Take Nutrient-rich Foods

Does protein have a big role in maintaining contoured cheeks?

Protein is crucial for collagen production, which helps the skin maintain its shape and tightness. Foods that are rich in protein like lean meats, fish, eggs, dairy products, nuts, beans, and legumes can help support youthful skin and facial fullness when you include them in your diet.

Incorporate foods that are high in antioxidants

Free radicals (e.g., pollution, UV rays, tobacco smoke) can accelerate ageing and damage the skin. To help fight these, regularly eat foods that are high in antioxidants. Foods like berries, citrus fruits, and dark leafy vegetables. Taking these foods can help protect the skin and avoid health issues.

Early Intervention Is Important

What are the skincare products I should use?

There are skincare products that you can use to enhance the appearance of your cheekbones. You need to prevent skin ageing to avoid sagging or hollowness of your cheeks. You may use products like retinol, peptides, or hyaluronic acid to help encourage collagen production and keep the skin’s elasticity.

Consult your doctor

f you observe any uncommon symptoms that affect your face like looking hollow, or if there are early signs of ageing, or if the skin loses its volume, see your trusted physician right away. It would help early detection and prevention of any underlying conditions.

How does dehydration contribute to flat cheekbones?
Does sun exposure have a big effect?
Does facial exercise help?
Does protein have a big role in maintaining contoured cheeks?
What are the skincare products I should use?

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Condition: Flat Cheekbones