Tag: low cheekbones

High Cheekbones vs Low Cheekbones: Causes and Solutions
By Dr Jeremy Hunt FRACS - Specialist Plastic Surgeon

High Cheekbones vs Low Cheekbones: Causes and Solutions

Want High Cheekbones? – how to change your look

Around the world, cheekbones play a role in a person’s perceived attractiveness with certain cultures preferring higher cheekbones and others preferring lower cheekbones. According to research studies, we also make instant assessments of people based on their faces. Just by looking at someone’s cheekbones, we may think of them as friendly, energetic, or dominant. If you can feel the zygomatic bone at the same level as your nasal bridge, then you have high cheekbones. You have a low cheekbone if you feel the zygomatic bone at the same level as your nostrils.

How your cheekbones look is determined largely by your genetic makeup and ethnic history. If you ever decide to modify your cheekbones with a cosmetic procedure, you should make sure to consult a specialist plastic surgeon like Dr Jeremy Hunt to get a clearer picture of the procedure, its cost, and the risks involved.

Read on to learn more about cheekbones, how you can locate yours, the differences between high and low cheekbones, and what you can do to modify the appearance of your cheekbones.

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What Are Cheekbones?

The cheekbones are located below the eye sockets and are a part of the human cranium or skull. Anatomically referred to as the zygomatic bones, they project from the face and together with the skin and buccal muscles, create the structure of the cheek ensuring that food is kept in the mouth while chewing. In addition to giving structure to the face, the cheekbones are also involved in certain activities of our everyday lives. The structure of the cheek formed by the zygomatic bones and other structures enables us to speak, chew food, and make facial expressions.

Our cheekbones get more pronounced as we get older. This is because over time, the amount of facial fat decreases and gravity tugs the skin downwards. Bone loss in the nose and cheeks are also a possible consequence of age-related facial changes. The way your cheekbones appear is also influenced by your weight. The amount of cheek fat over your cheekbones determines how visible your cheekbones will be. The amount of facial fat can also be influenced by lifestyle choices including smoking and drug use.

To find out whether you have low or high cheekbones, examine them in the mirror after you’ve located them. You have low cheekbones if the tips of your fingers meet at the level of your nostrils. Your cheekbones are high if they are located at the same level as the upper part of your nose or closer to your eye.

It is important to remember that no cheekbone is exclusively better than the other as the perception of appearance is highly subjective. There are also other factors that play a role in determining the attractiveness of an individual. As mentioned earlier, various cultures around the world value both types of cheekbones for various reasons.

High vs Low Cheekbones

The level of your cheekbone is determined to a large extent by your unique genetic makeup and ethnic history. Your gender also has a role to play in determining if you have high or low cheekbones. This is because men are usually more likely to have higher malar bones than women. It is important to remember that the level of your cheekbones has no bearing on their function and only plays a role in determining your facial structure. But if this is the case, then why are high cheekbones preferable?

People with low cheekbones may lack some definition in their cheeks. Their face is usually the widest at the same level as the nostrils. People with high cheekbones are frequently easy to identify because the widest part of their faces is usually right below the eyes.

It is believed that high male cheekbones, “hunter eyes”, and a chiselled jawline all contribute to attractiveness. Male celebrities with prominent cheekbones are seen as being particularly attractive. They appear confident and masculine because of their clearly defined facial features. Likewise, high female cheekbones are also considered to contribute to attractiveness with celebrities typically having prominent cheekbones in addition to symmetrical facial features.

When considering appearance, a person’s face may look more different as they age if they have higher cheekbones. This is due to the fact that as gravity pushes the skin downward, the skin on the face can cling to the elevated cheekbones better. People with low cheekbones are also considered to be unsociable with some people believing that they prefer their own company and do not engage in stimulating conversation.

Can I Modify the Appearance of my Cheekbones?

Dermal fillers to enhance the cheekbones

There are various cosmetic surgery and nonsurgical procedures you can utilise to modify the appearance of your cheekbones. Some techniques you can use to modify the appearance of your cheekbones include:

  1. Dermal fillers: Dermal fillers are a good option for persons who desire to have higher, more pronounced cheekbones. Dermal fillers are usually made from substances that are slowly absorbed by the body over time, such as collagen and hyaluronic acid. When injected into the skin, dermal fillers can temporarily make your cheekbones appear higher than they naturally are. The results from dermal fillers are temporary and usually last for only about three months;
  2. Facelifts: One of the best ways to improve the overall appearance of your face is with a facelift. Fat and bone loss from parts of the face including the cheekbone can occur as you get older. Your skin also develops wrinkles as it loses its elasticity which may result in sagging cheeks
  3. Cheek implants: If you want to permanently enhance the appearance of your face then you can consider getting cheek implants. During the cheek implant procedure, your plastic surgeon inserts a cheekbone made of solid silicone through tiny incisions made on either side of the mouth. This procedure is performed under general anesthesia and there may be some discomfort during the recovery period. It is normal to experience some swelling and pain for up to a week after the procedure. The results obtained from cheek implants are long-lasting. However, there are some potential adverse effects, just like with any surgical procedure;
  4. Facial fat transfer: You can also utilise a facial fat transfer to improve the appearance of your cheekbones. During a facial fat transfer, fat is taken from an area of your body and placed in your desired location. Common sites for facial fat transfer include the nasolabial folds, the cheeks, and below the eyes. With this procedure, you can get outcomes that are remarkably scar-free and appear natural.

What Face Shape is considered to be the Most Attractive?

When considering face shapes, the heart or V-shaped face is thought to be the most appealing with V-shaped faces regarded as “mathematically attractive.” The forehead and chin are both rather broad on a face like this with the chin slightly pointed and the jawline being quite narrow. This face shape also features wide cheekbones. Studies have shown that the heart or V-shaped face is perceived as more youthful. In contrast, the diamond facial shape is thought to be the most attractive for women and it is regarded as being very feminine and sophisticated.

What Ethnicity is known for high Cheekbones?

Some ethnicities known for having high cheekbones include Asian, African, and Amerindian. It has been established earlier that certain cultures prefer higher cheekbones to low ones. Individuals with high cheekbones are readily accepted in some Asian communities as they consider high cheekbones to be a sign of vitality and energy. They also believe that high cheekbones signify bravery and commitment. Similarly, Americans view those with higher cheekbones as bright and perceptive.

FAQs about High vs Low Cheekbones

FAQs about Enhancing the Cheekbones

What does it mean to have high cheekbones?

  • If you can feel the zygomatic bone at the same level as your nasal bridge, then you have high cheekbones. You have a low cheekbone if you feel the zygomatic bone at the same level as your nostrils. You can also locate your cheekbone with a simple trick. Start by putting your thumbs over your ear canal and your index finger at your nostrils. Once you’ve done this, slowly draw both fingers together till they meet. Your cheekbone is at the centre just beneath the skin. Examine your cheekbone in the mirror after you’ve located it. You have low cheekbones if the tips of your fingers meet at the level of your nostrils. Your cheekbones are high if they are located at the same level as the upper part of your nose or closer to your eye.

Are low cheekbones attractive?

  • People with low cheekbones are usually perceived as being less attractive and trustworthy. This is not a fact however as the notion of high cheekbones being more attractive came about as a result of the beauty norms established by particular influencers, including beauty magazines.

Do cheekbones get more defined with age?

  • The cheekbones may get more pronounced with age. This is because over time, the amount of facial fat decreases and gravity tugs the skin downwards. The way your cheekbones appear can also be influenced by your weight and the amount of cheek fat over your cheekbones determines how visible your cheekbones will be. The amount of facial fat you have can be influenced by lifestyle choices including smoking and drug use.

Further Reading about Facial Procedures:

Medical References about Cheeks and How to Enhance Them

About Dr Jeremy Hunt – Specialist Plastic Surgeon

Dr Jeremy Hunt

Dr Jeremy Hunt is a specialist plastic surgeon and a member of FRACS & ASPS. He has over 20 years of experience providing plastic surgery in Sydney.

Careful, considerate and honest, Dr Jeremy Hunt works with you to find a solution that is optimal for your body and your lifestyle.

Dr Hunt’s personal, one-on-one service and attention to detail has given thousands of women and men from the Sydney & Wollongong NSW area and across Australia the aesthetic results they desired.

Dr Hunt’s qualifications and education

Dr Jeremy A Hunt MBBS FRACS graduated with a Bachelor of Medicine degree from Sydney University in 1990 and is a Fellow of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons and member of ASPS – the Australian Society of Plastic Surgeons. He completed a Fellowship at the prestigious University of Texas in the United States, where he learnt from some of the world’s very best plastic surgeons.

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