High vs Low Cheekbones: Understanding the Difference

Facial structure, including the prominence of cheekbones, is mainly determined by genetics and ethnicity. Wondering how to tell if you have high vs low cheekbones, and how to highlight them? This guide covers how to identify cheekbone placement, the variations in facial features, and ways to enhance your cheeks, including makeup and surgical options. Some surgical options include facial fat transfer or facelift surgery. 

Understanding Cheekbone Placement

Cheekbones, defined by the malar bones, play a significant role in facial structure and can vary greatly from person to person. They can be classified as high or low, depending primarily on their proximity to the eyes and nose. High cheekbones are positioned near the eyes, giving the face a more pronounced and sculpted appearance. In contrast, low cheekbones are situated closer to the bottom of the nose, offering a more subdued contour to the face.

Some prefer high cheekbones over low ones, often because they contribute to a sculpted look, enhancing the side profile and overall symmetry of the face. This attribute is highly sought after in the world of beauty and fashion, however, all types of facial features and cheekbone placements should be celebrated.

Facial Features and Cheekbone Width

Cheekbones, a defining feature of one’s facial structure, vary significantly not just in height but also in width, contributing to the uniqueness of individual faces. Certain face shapes, such as diamond, heart, and oval, are characterised by their wide cheekbones.

In these cases, the cheekbones stand out prominently, being wider than both the forehead and jawline. This distinctive attribute helps in enhancing the overall aesthetic appeal of the face, adding to its symmetry and balance.

Addressing Sagging Cheeks

Ageing naturally leads to cheeks sagging and faces losing volume, primarily because our bodies produce less collagen as we get older. However, there are several effective methods to counteract these effects:

  • Makeup: Skillful use of makeup, specifically highlighting, can create the illusion of more prominent cheekbones by accentuating the right areas of your face. This can be easily learned and applied for daily enhancement.
  • Fillers: Cosmetic enhancements are another option to consider. Injected by professionals, they can add volume directly to the cheeks or other areas of the face, offering a fuller appearance and creating the illusion of higher cheekbones. Fillers are temporary but offer a quick and noticeable improvement.
  • Facelift: For those looking for a more permanent solution, facelift surgery might be the answer. This procedure tightens loose skin and removes excess tissue, resulting in a more defined facial structure. Although it requires recovery time, the outcomes can be more noticeable and long-lasting.

Surgical Solutions

Facelift: This surgery involves adjusting the position of the skin and tissues to visibly reduce  the signs of ageing. Often, it’s combined with a neck lift for even results across the lower face and neck.

Facial Fat Transfer: This method uses your own fat, taken from areas like the abdomen or thighs, and injects it into parts of the face that have lost volume with age, such as cheeks or under-eyes. It’s a way to regain natural fat with minimal scarring.

Combination Package: Combination packages may include a mix of procedures like a lower face and neck lift, fat transfer for volume; and chin liposuction for a sharper jawline. Designed to meet individual needs and goals, packages can be customised.

Non-Surgical Options for Defined Cheekbones

Cheek Fillers: Dermal fillers are a popular non-surgical choice for enhancing facial looks by adding volume and defining cheekbones. Made mostly from hyaluronic acid, which is naturally found in our bodies, these fillers offer temporary results. The effects can last from six months to two years, depending on your body’s metabolism and the type of filler used.

Makeup Techniques: Contouring with makeup is a simple way to mimic higher, more defined cheekbones without surgery. By applying a contour shade slightly darker than your skin tone under the cheekbones and blending it up, and then highlighting above the cheekbones with a lighter shade, you can significantly change how your cheeks look. This can make your cheeks appear more sculpted.

Final Thoughts: How to Pick the Right Method

Choosing between makeup, fillers, a facelift, or facial fat transfer offers various options for enhancing your cheekbones. It’s crucial to talk to a medical professional to figure out the best choice for your face and goals. 

Consider the benefits and drawbacks of each method before making your decision, and remember that all types of facial structures are beautiful in their own way. Whether you have high or low cheekbones, embrace them.

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