Chubby cheeks – how to get rid of them? 5 ways to improve your facial contours

Your face may look tired and older, even if you haven’t developed any deep wrinkles. Sometimes all it takes is the cheeks lose their firmness, and the tissues gradually shift towards the lower jaw. The oval shape becomes less distinct, the jawline loses its definition, and characteristic bulges appear on either side of the chin, known as with chubby cheeks.

The problem may be particularly noticeable after the age of 40, but it does not affect only middle-aged people. It is influenced by anatomical predispositions, changes in the distribution of body fat, loss of collagen and skin elasticity, as well as fluctuations in body weight.

How can you get rid of chubby cheeks without surgery? There are several options, but the choice of method should depend on the cause of the problem and the severity of the changes. In cases of minor sagging, treatments that stimulate skin remodelling may be helpful. Where there is significant tissue sagging, a different approach is required.

Chubby cheeks alter the proportions and shape of the face

Term „hamster cheeks” refers to sagging tissues in the lower part of the face, which form protrusions on either side of the chin. In medical terms, the problem is associated, amongst other things, with the sagging of cheek tissues and the formation of the so-called. jowls.

As we age, the skin gradually loses its elasticity, and the structures that support the facial tissues weaken. The distribution of subcutaneous fat also changes. As a result, the boundary between the cheek and the lower part of the face becomes less distinct.

Hamster cheeks They can make the face appear heavier, rounder or less symmetrical. They are often accompanied by deeper nasolabial folds, drooping corners of the mouth and a loss of a defined jawline.

However, the cause is not always solely sagging skiny. A similar appearance may be due to the natural structure of the face, the distribution of fat tissue or changes in volume in the midface. This distinction is important when choosing a treatment.

The causes of ‘hamster cheeks’

The ageing process of the face It involves several overlapping changes. It cannot be reduced solely to the loss of collagen.

Reduced production collagen i elastins causes the skin to gradually lose its density, elasticity and ability to return to its original shape. Collagen fibres They form the skin’s structural framework, whilst elastin is responsible for its elasticity. When their structure weakens, the tissues become more prone to sagging.

Changes in the distribution of body fat also affect the oval shape of the face. As we age, some fat pads lose volume, whilst others may shift position or become more prominent in relation to neighbouring structures. As a result, the lower part of the cheeks may appear heavier.

Weakening of the structures that support the face, including ligaments and connective tissue septa, facilitates the movement of tissues. These changes do not occur all at once. They are a gradual process, the pace of which depends, amongst other things, on genetics and individual anatomy.

External factors also play a role. Prolonged exposure to UV radiation accelerates the breakdown of the skin’s structural fibres. Smoking, chronic sleep deprivation and certain lifestyle habits can further worsen the skin’s condition.

In some people, ‘hamster cheeks’ become more noticeable following significant weight loss. A reduction in body fat can highlight previously less noticeable sagging and drooping of the tissues.

How to get rid of chubby cheeks without surgery

There is no single method that suits everyone. A treatment that improves skin firmness may not necessarily address excess tissue or significant sagging of the facial structures. It is therefore essential to determine the cause of the change in facial contours before starting treatment.

In cases of minor laxity, procedures utilising laser energy or radiofrequency, as well as carefully selected skin-stimulating procedures. If the problem is primarily due to a loss of volume, the doctor may assess whether volumetric treatments are appropriate. In cases of advanced tissue sagging, surgical treatment may prove more effective.

Fotona 4D Endolifting – improving skin firmness and facial contours

One of the methods used in non-surgical facial rejuvenation is Endolifting 4D Fotona. The procedure uses two laser wavelengths: Er and Nd. The combination of these allows the treatment to target different tissue layers, from the oral mucosa to the skin’s surface.

In the classic Fotona 4D protocol There are four operating modes, each of which serves a different purpose.

The four stages of the Fotona 4D treatment at Wellclinic

1. Endolifting (SmoothLiftin™)

Internal laser facelift without the use of fillers.

This stage involves the non-ablative action of the laser Er:YAG in the mode SMOOTH®, from the inside of the mouth. The laser energy causes controlled heating of the tissues, stimulating the contraction of collagen fibres and the processes involved in their remodelling. The aim is to improve tissue tone and elasticity, as well as to visually fill in the nasolabial folds.

2. FRAC3®

Non-ablative skin rejuvenation for the entire face.

This stage uses a laser Nd:YAG and his fractional three-dimensional operation. The energy penetrates to various layers of the skin, creating microscopic areas of thermal effect which stimulate regenerative processes. During the treatment, the patient feels warmth, whilst a cooling system enhances comfort. The aim is to improve the quality and structure of the skin, reduce the appearance of fine lines and even out skin tone.

3. PIANO®

Deep thermolifting and improved skin firmness.

This stage utilises Nd:YAG laser which emits ultra-long pulses. Energy is delivered to deeper tissue structures, enabling their controlled, uniform heating. Depending on the treatment parameters, the effect also extends to the subcutaneous tissue. During the procedure, heat is felt, the intensity of which is limited by the cooling system. The aim is to firm the skin, improve its tone and density, and stimulate collagen remodelling.

4. SupErficial™

Delicate laser peeling and smoothing the skin’s surface.

The final stage uses a laser Er:YAG It involves performing a superficial ablative laser peel. The controlled removal of part of the superficial layers of the epidermis helps to smooth its texture and improve the appearance of the skin. The result is a smoother, more even and radiant complexion.

Does Fotona 4D get rid of chubby cheeks? It can improve skin firmness and texture, and in suitably selected patients it can also improve the appearance of the facial contour. However, it is not the same as a surgical facelift and does not remove excess skin. If the problem is severe, the results may be insufficient.

Microneedle radiofrequency – stimulation of skin remodelling

Micro-needle radiofrequency It combines micro-needling with the controlled delivery of thermal energy to the skin. The resulting micro-injuries and thermal effect trigger repair processes, including collagen remodelling.

This method may be considered for people whose main concern is reduced skin quality, density and firmness. However, it should not be regarded as a means of mechanically lifting significantly sagging tissues.

The choice of device, treatment depth and parameters is of great importance for safety. In a statement dated 15 October 2025, the FDA highlighted reports of serious complications following certain microneedle radiofrequency treatments, including burns, scarring, loss of adipose tissue and nerve damage. Therefore, the procedure should be carried out by a suitably trained specialist, following a discussion of the benefits and risks.

Tissue stimulators – supporting skin quality

Tissue stimulators This is a group of products used in treatments designed to stimulate the skin’s regenerative processes. Depending on the type of substance, they can help improve the skin’s density, elasticity and hydration.

However, they are not a one-size-fits-all solution for ‘hamster cheeks’. Their effect relates primarily to the quality of the skin, rather than the surgical lifting of sagging structures. In cases of significant excess tissue, the stimulating treatment alone may not produce the desired change in facial contour.

Facial volumetry – restoring lost support

If changes to the facial contours are associated with a loss of volume in specific areas, the doctor may consider a volumetric treatment using a suitably selected product. Restoring the proportions of the mid-face can sometimes also improve the appearance of the lower face.

Volumetrics However, it is not simply a matter of filling out the cheeks. An incorrectly chosen amount of the product or the injection site may place additional strain on the lower part of the face and detract from the aesthetic result. The appropriateness of this approach is determined by an assessment of the anatomy, proportions and volume of the tissues.

Surgical facelift – a solution for advanced tissue sagging

When the hamster cheeks are pronounced and the skin and deeper facial structures have sagged significantly, non-surgical methods may not provide sufficient improvement. In such cases, you may wish to consider consulting a plastic surgeon about a facelift.

The operation allows for a more direct correction of sagging tissue and excess skin. However, it involves a recovery period and carries the risks typical of surgical procedures. The choice of this method requires an individual assessment.

Home remedies for hamster cheek pouches and what they can actually achieve

Facial massageFacial exercises and skincare can support your daily skincare routine. However, you should not expect them alone to correct sagging tissue or restore a defined facial contour.

A regular skincare routine using ingredients that support skin health, such as retinoids, can improve the skin’s texture and the appearance of fine lines. Photoprotection However, it does limit the effects of UV radiation, which accelerates the ageing process.

Massage can temporarily reduce swelling if it is performed gently and using the correct technique. However, it does not break down localised fat deposits, nor does it reverse changes associated with the weakening of the facial support structures.

Similarly facial exercises have not been proven to be effective at reducing ‘hamster cheeks’. They may engage the facial muscles, but they are no substitute for procedures designed to address skin laxity or sagging tissue.

It is also worth avoiding sudden fluctuations in body weight. Maintaining a stable weight, getting enough sleep, giving up smoking and using sun protection every day all help to keep your skin in good condition, although they do not halt the natural ageing process.

The choice of treatment for hamster cheeks depends on the cause of the problem

Not every method works in the same way. Fotona 4D Endolifting i micro-needle radiofrequency They focus on improving skin firmness and promoting skin regeneration. Tissue stimulators contribute to its quality, whilst volumetry can help in certain cases of volume loss.

It is therefore not advisable to choose a treatment solely on the basis of its name or the promise of a ‘scalpel-free’ facelift. During the consultation, the specialist should assess whether the main issue is sagging skin, loss of volume, displacement of tissues or excess tissue.

Restoring a well-defined facial contour begins with an accurate diagnosis

Hamster cheeks They can have various causes, which is why effective treatment should not rely on a single, one-size-fits-all procedure. Sometimes improving skin firmness is enough; at other times, restoring lost volume or a surgical consultation is required.

If you notice that oval face becomes less defined and the cheeks begin to sag towards the jawline, it is worth consulting a specialist about the issue. At Wellclinic in Warsaw, Gdańsk and Kraków, you can discuss the available options for improving skin firmness and choose a treatment tailored to the condition and anatomy of your face. The aim is a natural-looking result, tailored to your actual needs, rather than a promise of a complete transformation of your features.

Sources:

1. PubMed, "The Anatomy of the Ageing Face: A Review" (2016).
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27248022/

2. PubMed, "The Facial Ageing Process From the “Inside Out”" (2021).
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8438644/

3. PubMed, "A Reassessment of the Surgical Anatomy of the Jowl and the Mandibular Ligament" (2022).
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36050569/

4. PubMed, "The Role of Elastin and Collagen in Skin Ageing" (2008).
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18404866/

5. PubMed, "Three-Dimensional Imaging of Dynamic Changes Following Nd:YAG/Er:YAG Laser Skin Tightening: A Prospective Study" (2026).
https://doi.org/10.1002/lsm.70095

6. PubMed, "Efficacy of Conservative Techniques for Mechanical Facial Rejuvenation: A Systematic Review" (2025).
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41322034/

7. FDA, "Potential Risks Associated with Certain Uses of Radiofrequency (RF) Microneedling – FDA Safety Communication" (2025).
https://www.fda.gov/medical-devices/safety-communications/potential-risks-certain-uses-radiofrequency-rf-microneedling-fda-safety-communication

8. American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS), "Facelift Surgery".
https://www.plasticsurgery.org/cosmetic-procedures/facelift