Sunken Cheeks: Filler vs Fat Graft
Sunken or hollow cheeks can make the face look tired, older, or overly thin. In Korea, the two most popular volume-restoring treatments are dermal fillers and fat grafting. Both can rejuvenate the mid-face and bring back youthful fullness — but they work very differently.
Here’s a complete comparison to help you choose the right option for your goals.
1. Why Do Cheeks Become Sunken?
Sunken cheeks usually develop because of:
- Loss of facial fat with age
- Rapid weight loss
- Genetics (naturally thinner mid-face)
- Volume shift due to sagging
- Collagen + elastin reduction
The key difference between filler and fat grafting is how they replace that missing volume — one is temporary and adjustable; the other is more permanent and structural.
2. Cheek Filler — Instant Volume, Adjustable Results
Cheek fillers use hyaluronic acid (HA) or collagen-stimulating fillers to add volume where the face has hollowed.
How Cheek Filler Works
- Injected along the cheekbone or apple cheek
- Adds immediate volume
- Lifts surrounding skin and softens shadows
Best For
- Mild to moderate hollowness
- People wanting instant correction
- Those unsure if they want permanent volume
- Slim faces needing subtle contour
Advantages
- Immediate results
- Adjustable (can dissolve or modify)
- Very natural when placed deeply
- Minimal downtime
Limitations
- Temporary — lasts 12–24 months
- Overfilling can look puffy if poorly done
- Needs repeat injections for maintenance
Filler = Best for first-timers and people wanting flexible, reversible volume.
3. Fat Graft — Long-Lasting, Structural Volume
Fat grafting (fat transfer) uses your own fat, taken from the abdomen or thighs, processed, and injected into the cheeks for long-term fullness.
How Fat Grafting Works
- Fat is harvested via mini-liposuction
- Purified and injected into hollow cheeks
- A portion of fat permanently survives
Best For
- Moderate to severe sunken cheeks
- Long-lasting correction
- People wanting fuller, softer cheeks
- Those who prefer a natural material (their own fat)
Advantages
- Long-term result (50–70% of fat survives)
- Softer and more natural than filler
- Can correct deeper volume deficits
- Often improves overall skin quality
Limitations
- Requires minor procedure, not just injections
- Longer swelling period
- Fat survival varies from person to person
- Not ideal for extremely thin patients with little donor fat
Fat graft = Best for larger volume loss and long-lasting correction.
4. Side-by-Side Comparison
Natural Look
- Fat Graft: Softest, most natural finish
- Filler: Natural when done well, but can look firm if overdone
Longevity
- Fat Graft: Permanent portion stays; touch-ups may be needed
- Filler: 1–2 years (depends on type and placement)
Procedure
- Fat Graft: Mini-surgery, requires downtime
- Filler: Quick injection, minimal recovery
Best for Severe Hollowing
- Fat Graft (more capacity for volume)
Best for Precision Shaping
- Filler (precise contouring along cheekbone)
Cost
- Filler: Lower upfront cost, higher long-term maintenance cost
- Fat Graft: Higher upfront cost, long-term more economical
5. Which Is Better for Sunken Cheeks?
Choose Filler if you want:
- Instant results
- A subtle or moderate lift
- Control over how much or how little is added
- A non-surgical option
- Reversible treatment
- To try volume enhancement before committing to something longer-lasting
Choose Fat Graft if you want:
- Long-lasting results
- Soft, natural fullness
- Correction for significant hollowness
- Volume that blends naturally with the face
- Improvement in skin texture and elasticity
- A true “structural” change
6. What Korean Clinics Commonly Recommend
Most Korean aesthetic doctors follow this guideline:
Mild hollowness → Filler
Perfect for younger patients or those wanting subtle refinement.
Moderate to severe hollowness → Fat Graft
Especially effective for slim faces and mid-face deflation.
Combination for the best results:
- Fat graft for foundational volume
- Filler for contour refinement (cheekbone, under-eye transition)
Final Verdict
Both treatments can effectively rejuvenate sunken cheeks — the choice depends on your goals.
- Filler = fast, reversible, precise shaping
- Fat graft = long-lasting, soft, structural fullness
If you want a dramatic, long-term transformation, fat grafting is hard to beat.
If you want adjustable, subtle, or beginner-friendly volume, fillers are the ideal starting point.











