There are cases where people come to us saying their cheeks look hollow after having their jawline refined.
They say that shadows appear in the mirror, making them look older.
At this point, it is necessary to decide what to wait for and what to address.
Please take just 1 minute to read this.
Why Hollowing Occurs
Fat Dissolving Injection works to reduce fat. If the area you intended to reduce and the area that actually reduced are misaligned, or if more than the necessary amount is administered, the area may appear sunken.
If you originally had less cheek fat, hollowing may be more pronounced with the same amount. This is even more true if the volume has already decreased with age.
What to Distinguish First
| Condition | Judgment |
|---|---|
| Temporary change due to swelling subsiding | Observe the progress over time |
| Volume loss due to fat reduction | Difficult to expect natural recovery |
| Condition where sagging is also present | Filling approach alone is insufficient |
Immediately after the procedure, it is difficult to judge due to swelling. If it remains the same after a few weeks, it is considered volume loss.
Does it Return on its Own?
It is difficult to expect the reduced fat to be refilled.
However, there are periods when the impression may look slightly different due to overall facial volume changes. Therefore, we recommend observing the progress over time before making a judgment.
When Approaching for Recovery
There are approaches that add volume to the hollowed area and approaches that address the skin condition.
If volume loss is clear, we consider filling, and if the surface feels thin and the skin texture rough, we consider both skin and volume. Often, both conditions overlap.
In either case, it is safer to proceed in stages and observe the reaction rather than trying to reverse it all at once, as the area has already been stimulated.
Why it's Better to Consult Sooner
As time passes, the surrounding tissues settle into place according to the hollowed area. This makes it difficult to plan based on the original shape.
Also, the more records there are about which areas and how much was administered, the more accurate the judgment will be. It helps if you organize and bring information about the time, area, and number of sessions as you remember them.
Recovery and Precautions
Additional procedures may also cause swelling, bruising, or a feeling of fullness, and the degree and duration may vary from person to person.
Since the area has already been stimulated, it may feel more sensitive than usual. It is often started with a lower intensity and amount.
It is safer to consult with medical staff before proceeding to confirm if it is suitable for your current condition.
The criteria for setting the repeat interval are summarized in the article What Sets the Rejuran Interval.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are my cheeks hollow?
This occurs when the area you intended to reduce and the area that actually reduced are misaligned, or when more than the necessary amount was administered. If you originally had less cheek fat, it may be more pronounced with the same amount.
Will it return over time?
It is difficult to expect the reduced fat to be refilled. However, it is better to postpone judgment in the early stages when swelling is present.
Is filling alone sufficient?
Yes, if there is only volume loss. If sagging is also present, the impression may not be refined with a filling approach alone.
Are there side effects with additional procedures?
Swelling and bruising may occur, and since the area has already been stimulated, it may feel more sensitive.
When is the best time to consult?
If the condition remains the same after the swelling has subsided, it is best to check at that time. Organizing the treated areas and number of sessions will help with the judgment.
Visit and Consultation Information
O.N Clinic is conveniently located near Gangnam Station, making it easy to access by subway.
It is more accurate to determine whether it is volume loss or a combination of sagging after directly checking the condition. For any questions, you can easily inquire via Chat with us now.
Author: Dr. Oh Seung-Min (Representative Director of O.N Clinic, graduated from Seoul National University College of Medicine, Academic Chairman of the Korean Laser Dermatology and Hair Society). For a detailed history, please refer to Medical Staff Introduction. First published 2026-08-16 / Last reviewed 2026-08-25
This article is for general information purposes only, and appropriate treatment and results may vary depending on individual conditions.
