What Are Undefined/Sunken Cheeks?
As facial volume diminishes, the cheeks can lose their youthful projection and definition. This occurs through multiple, interconnected processes that affect different layers of facial structure.
Deep facial fat pads, which provide natural contours and support, begin to shrink and shift downward. At the same time, collagen production — which typically decreases by 1% annually after age 20 — continues to decline, reducing skin’s underlying support network. Elastin fibers, responsible for skin’s ability to maintain its shape, also become less abundant and less effective.
The skeletal structure itself also undergoes changes, with gradual bone degradation leading to significant alterations in facial architecture. The mid-face area is particularly susceptible to these changes.
When these structures decline, it can create shadows, hollows, and a flattened appearance where there was once natural fullness and contour, which we refer to as undefined or sunken cheeks.
