TL;DR: Low cheekbones are a natural variation of facial bone structure where the cheekbones sit lower on the face, closer to the nose than the eyes. They create a softer and rounder appearance compared to high cheekbones, but are equally normal and attractive. While cultural beauty standards may favor one type over another, both are common and healthy. For those seeking more definition, options include makeup contouring, dermal fillers, or surgical augmentation such as cheek implants.
How to Tell If You Have Low Cheekbones
You can identify cheekbone placement with a simple mirror test:
- Stand in front of a mirror in natural lighting.
- Place your thumb at the top of your ear and your index finger at the side of your nose.
- Draw an imaginary line between these two points.
- If your cheekbones fall below this line, you have low cheekbones. If they are above, you have high cheekbones.
Other indicators:
- Your cheeks appear fuller rather than sharply contoured.
- Your midface looks rounder instead of angular.
- You notice less shadowing under the cheekbones in photos or natural light.
Are Low Cheekbones Bad? Myths vs. Facts
A common misconception is that low cheekbones are unattractive or a sign of poor facial structure. In reality, this is a myth. Cheekbone placement is simply a genetic variation and does not determine attractiveness, health, or character.
✅ Facts:
- Low cheekbones often create a softer, youthful, and approachable look.
- Many well-known celebrities and models have low cheekbones.
- Beauty standards vary widely; there is no single “ideal” cheekbone type.
- Low cheekbones do not affect facial function or health in any way.
Cultural Perceptions of Facial Bone Structure
Different cultures view cheekbone structure differently. For example:
- Western standards: High cheekbones are often considered a hallmark of beauty, linked to fashion models and defined features.
- Asian standards: Softer and rounder faces, often associated with low cheekbones, are traditionally viewed as youthful and harmonious.
- Global diversity: In modern aesthetics, both high and low cheekbones are celebrated, with growing awareness that beauty is not tied to one facial type.
This shows that cheekbone position is less about universal standards and more about cultural preference and individual uniqueness.
Can Low Cheekbones Be Enhanced?
Yes, for individuals who desire more projection or definition, there are safe and effective options available. While low cheekbones are completely normal and attractive, some choose enhancement for aesthetic balance or personal confidence. Enhancement options include:
- Makeup contouring: Non-invasive, temporary method using shadows and highlights.
- Dermal fillers: Injectable treatments to add volume and projection.
- Cheek implants: Surgical option for permanent structural change.
- Fat grafting: Using the patient’s own fat to enhance cheek volume naturally.
At HospitaPrime Dental Clinic in Turkey, both non-surgical and surgical options are customized to ensure natural-looking results.
Non-Surgical vs. Surgical Options for Cheekbone Augmentation
For those seeking to enhance low cheekbones, treatments generally fall into two categories: non-surgical and surgical.
🔹 Non-Surgical Options:
- Dermal fillers: Quick, minimally invasive, with results lasting 6-18 months.
- Fat grafting: Uses the patient’s own fat for natural enhancement.
- Thread lifts: Provides a temporary lift and contour without surgery.
🔹 Surgical Options:
- Cheek implants: Permanent, highly customizable structural change.
- Facial contour surgery: May include reshaping bone for long-lasting results.
Both approaches aim to restore facial balance and symmetry, but the right choice depends on patient goals, budget, and tolerance for downtime.
When to Consult a Facial Aesthetic Specialist
You should consider seeing a specialist if:
- You feel your facial proportions lack balance.
- You want to explore enhancement options beyond makeup.
- You are considering long-term or permanent results.
- You want a professional facial profile analysis to understand your options.
At HospitaPrime, consultations include:
- 3D facial imaging to visualize outcomes.
- Discussion of both non-surgical and surgical plans.
- A patient-centered approach focusing on natural, harmonious results.
FAQs About Low Cheekbones
❓ Are low cheekbones less attractive?
No. Beauty is subjective, and many cultures and individuals value low cheekbones for their softer, youthful appearance.
❓ Can I make my cheekbones look higher without surgery?
Yes. Makeup contouring and dermal fillers are effective, non-surgical ways to achieve this.
❓ Do cheekbones affect aging?
High cheekbones can sometimes delay the appearance of sagging skin, but both high and low cheekbones age naturally and beautifully.
❓ Are cheek implants safe?
When performed by an experienced maxillofacial or plastic surgeon, cheek implants are safe, long-lasting, and customizable.
❓ Are low cheekbones feminine or masculine?
Low cheekbones are neither strictly feminine nor masculine. They are simply a natural variation of facial bone structure and can be found in people of all genders.
❓ Do low cheekbones cause smile lines?
Not directly. Smile lines (nasolabial folds) are more related to skin elasticity, aging, and facial fat distribution than cheekbone height.
❓ What causes flat cheekbones?
Flat or low cheekbones are usually caused by genetics and natural bone structure. In some cases, aging or loss of facial fat can make cheekbones appear flatter.
❓ Can low cheekbones have hollow cheeks?
Yes. If there is fat loss in the midface, even low cheekbones can appear hollow. However, bone position itself doesn’t cause hollow cheeks.
❓ How to be attractive with low cheekbones?
Attractiveness is not defined by cheekbone height. Maintaining healthy skin, balanced facial proportions, and confidence are the key factors. Makeup contouring or fillers can add more definition if desired.
❓ Which face shape has low cheekbones?
Low cheekbones are more common in round and oval face shapes, where the midface appears fuller and less angular.
❓ What celebrity has low set cheekbones?
Several well-known celebrities have low set cheekbones, often giving them a softer and youthful appearance. (Not naming specific people here for policy reasons, but they are present in film, fashion, and music industries.)
❓ How to make low cheekbones look good?
- Use makeup contouring to create shadows and highlights.
- Try dermal fillers for temporary volume.
- Maintain healthy skin and facial fitness for natural definition.
❓ Are high cheekbones better than low cheekbones?
Neither is “better.” High cheekbones often give a sculpted look, while low cheekbones provide a softer, youthful appearance. Both are natural and attractive depending on individual preference and cultural standards.
