➤ What it is

Buccal hollowness refers to the sunken or hollow appearance in the mid-cheek area, just below the cheekbones and extending toward the mouth corners. It is often caused by:

• Aging → loss of facial fat and collagen,
• Genetics → naturally thinner facial fat pads,
• Excessive weight loss,
• Volume loss after buccal fat removal,
• Natural facial structure.

Hollow cheeks can make a face look tired, gaunt, or older than it actually is.

Buccal hollowness fill involves restoring volume with dermal fillers, fat grafting, or regenerative injectables. In Korea, the treatment is performed with precision and artistry to achieve a natural, youthful, and balanced appearance, rather than an “overfilled” or artificial look.

➤ Why it’s done

Buccal hollowness fill is performed to:

• Restore youthful volume → replenish lost mid-face fat.
• Improve facial harmony → balance cheeks, jawline, and eyes.
• Reduce tired appearance → hollow cheeks can cast shadows and make the face look fatigued.
• Anti-aging goals → filling lifts surrounding tissues subtly.
• Boost confidence → restores a fuller, healthier, and more vibrant look.
• Cultural context in Korea → a balanced, soft, and youthful mid-face is a beauty ideal, making this treatment increasingly popular.

➤ Alternatives

While fillers are the most common choice, there are several alternatives:

Injectables

• Hyaluronic acid (HA) fillers → immediate volume restoration.
• Calcium hydroxylapatite (CaHA) → stimulates collagen along with volume.
• Poly-L-lactic acid (PLLA, Sculptra) → gradual collagen-building filler.
• Skin boosters (PN, PDRN, exosomes) → improve texture, but for mild hollowness only.

Fat-Based Treatments

• Autologous fat grafting → patient’s fat is harvested (from thigh or abdomen) and injected into hollows; provides natural long-term results.
• Nano-fat grafting → uses purified fat for smoother texture enhancement.

Energy-Based Options (Supportive)

• RF microneedling (Scarlet RF, INTRAcel) → tightens skin around cheeks, enhancing filler results.
• HIFU (Ulthera, Shurink) → provides mild lifting if sagging accompanies hollowness.

Surgical Alternatives

• Midface lift → lifts sagging cheek tissues, though less common than fillers or grafting.

Korean Cosmetic Alternatives

• Hydration facials with hyaluronic acid → improve skin plumpness.
• LED red light therapy → stimulates collagen and circulation.
• Cosmeceutical creams → peptides and growth factors for skin support.

➤ Preparation

Proper preparation ensures safety and good results:

• Consultation
  • Clinical assessment of hollowness depth and facial structure.
  • Decision between filler vs. fat grafting vs. collagen stimulators.
  • Digital facial analysis (common in Korean clinics) to simulate results.
• Pre-Treatment Guidelines
  • Avoid alcohol, aspirin, and blood thinners for 48 hours before injectables.
  • Keep skin hydrated and avoid heavy makeup on the day of procedure.
  • For fat grafting → fasting and lab tests may be required.
• Korean Clinic Preparation
  • 3D imaging for contour mapping.
  • Numbing cream or local anesthesia for fillers; sedation or general anesthesia for fat grafting.

➤ How it’s Done

Buccal hollowness fill in Korea can be done using different methods:

1. Filler Injections

• Hyaluronic acid fillers injected with cannulas to reduce bruising.
• Micro-droplet or layering techniques used for natural blending.
• Session duration: 20–30 minutes.
• Results: immediate, lasting 9–18 months depending on filler type.

2. Biostimulatory Fillers

• CaHA or PLLA (Sculptra) injected deeper to stimulate collagen.
• Gradual improvement over 2–3 months.
• Results last 18–24 months.

3. Fat Grafting

• Fat harvested from abdomen/thigh, processed, and injected into hollows.
• Provides long-lasting, natural results if fat survives well.
• Session duration: 1–2 hours.

4. Combination Therapies

• Fillers + skin boosters for hydration.
• Fillers + HIFU/RF for contour lifting.
• Fat grafting + PRP to improve survival and collagen growth.

5. Korean Dermatology Enhancements

• LED therapy immediately after injections for healing.
• Hydrogel cooling masks applied to reduce swelling.
• Cosmeceutical regimens with peptides, hyaluronic acid, and centella for maintenance.

➤ Recovery

Recovery depends on method chosen:

• Fillers → swelling or mild bruising for 1–3 days.
• Biostimulatory fillers → similar downtime but results gradual.
• Fat grafting → swelling/bruising for 1–2 weeks, with 70–80% fat survival expected.

Aftercare Instructions:

• Avoid pressing or massaging cheeks for 48 hours.
• Sleep with head elevated first few nights.
• Avoid hot saunas or strenuous exercise for 2–3 days.
• Apply sunscreen daily.

Korean Recovery Practices:

• LED healing sessions offered during follow-ups.
• Barrier-repair creams prescribed for daily care.
• Clinic-based hydration facials recommended for long-term glow.

➤ Complications

While safe, possible risks include:

• Fillers → bruising, swelling, asymmetry, overfilling, rare vascular complications.
• Biostimulatory fillers → nodules if injected incorrectly.
• Fat grafting → uneven fat survival, oil cysts (rare).

Korean clinics minimize risks by:

• Using cannula techniques for safer filler placement.
• Employing small, layered injections to avoid lumps.
• Combining treatments with skincare and follow-ups.

➤ Treatment Options in Korea

Korea is internationally known for precise, natural mid-face contouring.

Why Korea excels:

• Expert injectors trained in artistic contouring.
• Cutting-edge filler products (local and international brands).
• Advanced fat grafting techniques with high survival rates.
• Integration with K-beauty skincare for holistic results.

Unique Korean Practices:

• Combination protocols → filler + PRP + boosters for regenerative care.
• Digital facial simulations → show patients expected results before treatment.
• Hydration and brightening facials after injections.
• Medical tourism packages → buccal correction combined with jawline or V-line programs.

✨ Final Thoughts

Buccal Hollowness Fill in Korea is a highly effective way to restore mid-face volume, balance, and youthful softness. With options ranging from HA fillers to fat grafting and collagen stimulators, Korean dermatologists and surgeons ensure treatments that are natural, safe, and aesthetically refined.

By integrating precision techniques, advanced injectables, and supportive K-beauty skincare, Korea stands as a global leader in buccal rejuvenation treatments, offering patients not only fuller cheeks but also confidence and harmony in facial aesthetics.