Do hollow cheeks make you look tired, while you worry that filler might make your face look too full? For a natural change, we first assess the location of the hollowing, fat that has sagged downward and your skin's elasticity. After distinguishing hollowing from sagging, we discuss options such as filler or collagen boosters. We also assess how your contours differ when smiling and at rest.
YJ Central Clinic is on Yeongjong Island near Incheon Airport, a 15-minute drive from the airport. If you are considering cheek filler during your visit to Korea, discuss both your desired changes and follow-up after returning home.
Should I choose filler first if my cheeks look hollow?
We first assess the hollow areas and surrounding contours. Tell us whether your face looks fine from the front but concerns you from the side, whether it looks different when you smile, and whether your weight has changed recently. During consultation, we assess the cheek areas you want to change in the context of your whole face.
Sometimes what looks like a lack of cheek fat is actually fat that has sagged into jowls in the lower face. In this situation, you must not add more volume. The sagging fat below needs to be lifted.
First point out which areas look hollow and which have sagged. We will assess your whole face to decide whether an area should be filled or whether sagging fat should be lifted.
Is choosing a small amount enough for a natural result?
Choosing a small amount alone is not enough. We also consider the product, placement and current contours.
Skin elasticity is important. If filler is simply added to thin, lax skin, it will not stay in place. It sags and makes the face look heavier and less defined. If you need to restore skin elasticity as well as correct hollowing, we recommend a collagen booster. Collagen boosters such as Juvelook or Sculptra improve skin elasticity as well as increasing volume. However, the volume increase may be less than with filler.
Tell us which areas you want to change and which you want to keep. We will assess your desired change and where overfilling could occur. You do not need a plan to change your whole face; start with the area that concerns you most. If you have heard that a friend received the same amount, listen to why a particular product and amount are proposed for your face before deciding carefully.
How do we choose between filler, collagen boosters and fat grafting?
Hollow cheeks can be treated with hyaluronic acid filler, PDLLA, PLLA or fat grafting. For rapid correction of severe hollowing, we recommend hyaluronic acid filler. However, filler can change position over time, including moving downward, and is absorbed and disappears after about a year, requiring repeat treatment. If you want a natural-looking result while making thin, lax skin firmer, we recommend PDLLA or PLLA, choosing the particle size and ingredients according to the area and skin thickness. If you are reluctant to introduce other materials, we recommend grafting your own fat. However, fat grafting significantly affects everyday activities after treatment and has a relatively low fat survival rate. Survival decreases further with age, so it is mainly used for younger people.
The filler product photos supplied by the clinic show The Chaeum Premium and Belotero. During consultation, confirm the actual product name, ingredients and treatment area.
Ask about the product's ingredients, expected duration and why it suits your skin thickness. Even with the same ingredient, we assess progress according to the product and treated area.
Can I have treatment if previous filler remains?
We plan treatment after checking the product, area and date of your previous filler. Tell us what you remember even if it was a long time ago. If you have felt lumps or experienced recurring pain or swelling, tell us before booking a new procedure.
Did your face swell significantly after previous filler? Filler allergies sometimes occur. Be sure to tell the medical team what happened after your previous filler treatment.
If previous filler remains in an unattractive shape, dissolving it before new treatment may give a much nicer result. Be sure to tell us which areas received filler before.
Fillers have different ingredients and are not all removed in the same way. Ask about the product's ingredients, how long it lasts and how it is removed. Whether remaining filler can be dissolved depends on its ingredients and current condition. If you do not know the product, we may first need records from your previous clinic.
Which adverse reactions should I know about before returning home?
Bruising, swelling and pain can occur at injection sites. Rarely, filler entering a blood vessel can cause serious complications such as skin damage or vision problems. Decide on treatment only after understanding these risks and how to respond.
If severe pain that cannot be controlled with painkillers, skin turning white, gray or blue, or changes in vision occur during or after treatment, tell the medical team immediately.
You must go straight to an emergency department for emergency treatment.
Whether or not you have taken painkillers, do not delay if you have unexpected severe pain or changes in skin color or vision. Do not send photos and wait for a reply in this situation.
If you are considering a visit just before departing from Incheon Airport, tell us your return date and the dates you could have another examination in Korea. We will assess not just convenient access but whether your schedule allows the necessary follow-up.
Frequently asked questions
If I look swollen immediately afterward, should filler be added or removed right away?
Most fillers cause swelling for about 3 days after treatment. Swelling is natural. To assess the results, we check your condition about 1 week later and then decide whether to add more filler.
However, if severe pain or changes in skin color or vision accompany the swelling, do not wait to assess progress; seek medical care immediately.
Can I bring a photo of the face I would like?
Bring a photo as a reference to explain the features you like. Rather than promising the same face, we will discuss what can be changed in your current face.
Do you need records of filler received overseas?
Yes. Bring records showing the product name, date and area, even in the original language. Do not leave previous procedures out of your consultation because you changed clinics.
For a consultation about hollow cheeks, send the areas that concern you, desired changes, previous filler records and return date through WhatsApp or LINE. See YJ Central Clinic's filler care guide for related consultation topics.
References: US FDA guidance on filler types, adverse effects, vascular complications and urgent symptoms, American Academy of Dermatology filler treatment, results and swelling guide.
Minjung Choi, M.D.
Medical Director · Board-certified Dermatologist
- Medical Director, YJ Central
- Internship and dermatology residency, Ewha Womans University Mokdong Hospital
- Author or co-author of five peer-reviewed dermatology papers