Pipi Cekung: Punca, Rawatan dan Cara Memulihkan Kelantangan

Sunken cheeks are one of the most visible signs of facial ageing. They can make the face look tired, gaunt, or older than it actually is, often affecting self-confidence. While they’re a natural part of the ageing process, hollow cheeks can also result from lifestyle factors, weight loss, or underlying health conditions.

The good news is that with today’s advanced aesthetic treatments, restoring lost volume and achieving a youthful, lifted appearance is easier and more natural-looking than ever. In this guide, we’ll explore what causes sunken cheeks, how to prevent them, and the most effective treatments available in Malaysia.

What Are Sunken Cheeks?

Sunken cheeks refer to the loss of volume or fullness in the mid-face area, particularly around the cheekbones. This volume loss can create a hollowed or “sunken” appearance, making facial features look sharper and less youthful. 

While some people may naturally have slimmer facial features, pronounced cheek hollowing is often associated with ageing or significant changes in weight and skin structure. Early signs may include a more defined nasolabial fold (smile lines), sagging skin, and reduced cheek contour.

Common Causes of Sunken Cheeks

Understanding why sunken cheeks occur is the first step toward choosing the right treatment. Here are the most common causes:

1. Ageing and Collagen Loss

Ageing is the most common reason for hollow cheeks. As we get older, our bodies produce less collagen, elastin, and hyaluronic acid, all essential for maintaining firm, plump skin. This leads to skin thinning, reduced elasticity, and facial fat loss, resulting in a hollow or sunken look.

2. Volume Loss in Facial Fat Pads

The cheeks are supported by small fat pads that give the face its youthful structure. Over time, these pads shrink and shift downward, creating a deflated appearance and contributing to sagging skin.

3. Rapid Weight Loss

Significant or sudden weight loss can reduce the natural fat layer in the cheeks, causing the face to appear gaunt. While weight loss is healthy overall, it can sometimes make facial ageing more noticeable.

4. Genetics

Some people are naturally predisposed to having less fat in the cheek area, leading to a more hollow look even at a young age. In such cases, aesthetic treatments can help achieve a more balanced facial contour.

5. Lifestyle Factors

Smoking, poor nutrition, dehydration, and chronic stress can accelerate collagen breakdown and worsen cheek hollowing. These lifestyle choices can also contribute to skin dullness, pipi kendur, and premature ageing.

Sunken Cheeks vs. Contoured Cheeks: What’s the Difference?

It’s important to differentiate between naturally sculpted cheekbones and sunken cheeks. Contoured cheeks have defined, healthy volume and structure, while sunken cheeks appear hollow or deflated due to fat and collagen loss. If makeup contouring no longer enhances your features and your mid-face looks drawn, volume restoration may be beneficial.

Non-Surgical Treatments for Sunken Cheeks in Malaysia

Fortunately, sunken cheeks can be effectively treated with a range of non-surgical procedures that restore volume, improve skin structure, and rejuvenate the overall appearance. Here are the most popular and effective options:

Dermal Fillers: Instant Volume and Lift

Best for immediate cheek enhancement, volume restoration, and facial contouring. Dermal fillers made from hyaluronic acid are one of the most effective treatments for sunken cheeks. They are injected beneath the skin to replace lost volume, lift sagging tissue, and restore youthful facial contours.

Results are visible almost immediately and typically last 12 to 18 months. Many patients also combine cheek fillers with treatments for nasolabial folds or under-eye hollows for a more balanced and harmonious rejuvenation. 

This treatment restores cheek volume and fullness, lifts and sculpts facial contours, provides natural-looking results, better facial harmony and involves minimal downtime with a quick procedure.

Sculptra or Biostimulatory Fillers: Collagen-Boosting Volume

Best for long-term volume restoration and collagen stimulation. Unlike traditional fillers, Sculptra (poly-L-lactic acid) works by stimulating the body’s natural collagen production over time. This leads to gradual, natural-looking volume restoration and improved tekstur kulit.

Results appear over several weeks and can last up to two years, making it an excellent option for those seeking longer-lasting results. It stimulates collagen for lasting results, provides gradual and natural volume enhancement, and improves skin texture and firmness.

Rejuran Healer: Skin Quality and Elasticity Boost

Best for thinning skin and early cheek volume loss. Rejuran, also known as a salmon DNA injection, is a regenerative treatment that enhances skin elasticity, hydration, and overall quality. 

While it does not add dramatic volume like fillers, it strengthens the skin’s support structure and works well as a complementary treatment for mild cheek hollowing or early signs of volume loss. This treatment improves skin texture and elasticity, enhances firmness and radiance, and complements other volume restoration procedures.

HIFU and Ultherapy: Non-Invasive Lifting and Tightening

Best for mild to moderate sagging and loss of definition. High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound (HIFU) and Ultherapy are non-invasive treatments that use focused ultrasound energy to stimulate collagen deep within the skin. 

They tighten and lift the cheeks naturally, improving contour and definition without the need for injections or downtime. Results develop gradually over two to three months, with continued improvement over time. This approach is non-invasive, requires no recovery time, enhances jawline and mid-face definition, and delivers a gradual, natural lift.

Fat Grafting: Long-Lasting Volume Enhancement

Best for significant volume loss and permanent results. For those seeking a more permanent solution, fat grafting is a surgical procedure that transfers fat from another part of the body to the cheeks. This restores lost volume naturally, enhances facial symmetry, and improves overall skin quality. 

While it requires more downtime compared to injectables, the results are long-lasting and can significantly rejuvenate the face. Fat grafting uses the body’s own natural fat, provides long-lasting volume and contour, and improves skin texture and quality over time.

Can You Prevent Sunken Cheeks?

While ageing and collagen loss are inevitable, there are many ways to slow down volume depletion and keep your cheeks looking fuller and more youthful for longer. Prevention is most effective when started early, as it helps maintain skin elasticity, boost collagen production, and minimise visible hollowing over time.

• Stay Hydrated: Adequate water intake keeps skin plump and resilient.
• Eat a Balanced Diet: Nutrients like vitamin C, protein, and omega-3 support collagen production.
• Avoid Smoking: It accelerates collagen breakdown and causes premature sagging.
• Use Anti-Ageing Skincare: Ingredients like retinol and peptides help support skin structure.
• Sun Protection: Daily SPF prevents UV-related collagen damage.

While these steps can’t fully prevent sunken cheeks, they can significantly delay volume loss and reduce its severity. If hollowing has already occurred, pairing these habits with professional treatments can help restore definition and achieve natural, youthful contours.

When to See a Dermatologist

If sunken cheeks are making you look older, tired, or affecting your confidence, it’s best to consult a qualified dermatologist or aesthetic doctor. They can assess your facial structure, identify the cause of volume loss, and recommend the most suitable treatment plan tailored to your goals.

Restore Youthful Definition and Confidence

Sunken cheeks can make your face appear tired, aged, or less defined, but they don’t have to be permanent. With today’s advanced aesthetic treatments, it’s possible to restore lost volume, lift sagging skin, and revive your natural contours without the need for surgery. 

From instant results with dermal fillers to long-lasting improvements through collagen-stimulating treatments, there’s a solution for every stage of volume loss and aesthetic goal.

Book a consultation with Dr. Chong Clinic, one of Malaysia’s leading aesthetic and dermatology centres renowned for its LCP-certified specialists, advanced injection techniques, and personalised treatment plans. 

Whether you’re seeking subtle enhancement or a complete facial refresh, Klinik Dr Chong focuses on natural, harmonious results that enhance your features, restore balance, and boost your confidence.

Soalan Lazim (Soalan Lazim)

1. How long do dermal fillers last for sunken cheeks?

Most dermal fillers last between 12 and 18 months, depending on the type used and individual metabolism.

2. Can sunken cheeks be reversed naturally?

Lifestyle changes and skincare can help slow the process, but significant volume loss usually requires professional treatments.

3. Is there downtime after treatment?

Most non-surgical treatments have little to no downtime. You can resume daily activities immediately after.

4. What’s the best treatment for sunken cheeks?

The best option depends on severity and goals. Fillers are ideal for quick results, while Sculptra and Rejuran offer gradual improvements.

*Semua imej yang digunakan dalam artikel ini adalah dijana AI.