High cheekbones vs low cheekbones are the favourite comparison when it comes to discussing facial features. By the way, what cheekbones do you have?
When someone mentions strong or striking features, cheekbones are usually the first thing that comes to mind. But what actually is the difference between high cheekbones and low cheekbones? And why does it matter?
Whether you’re trying to comprehend your own facial anatomy or looking for ways to improve it, this article is for you. Let’s get into what cheekbones are, how they change, and ways to enhance them.
What are Cheekbones?
Cheekbones, or zygomatic bones, are located on either side of the face. They lie below the eyes and run up towards the ears, contributing to the eye socket and the sides of the face.
These aren’t simply cosmetic bones – they also hold facial muscles responsible for chewing and smiling in place. Cheekbones contribute to your face’s shape, shield your eyes, and allow you to express yourself.
High Cheekbones vs Low Cheekbones – What’s the Difference?
You can tell by looking at the position of the cheekbones on the face.
- High cheekbones are level with, or higher than, the bridge of the nose. High-cheekbone faces tend to appear more defined, angular, and lifted.
- Low cheekbones are nearer the bottom of the nose, near nostril height. These tend to create a softer, rounder appearance to the face.
In many cultures, high cheekbones are regarded as a symbol of beauty and elegance. However, both are entirely natural, and each has its unique charm.
How to Look If You Have High or Low Cheekbones
Here’s an easy way to determine where your cheekbones are:
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- Stand in front of a mirror.
- Put your fingers at the crown of your ears and trace a line to the end of your nose.
- Run your finger along your cheek. The spot where you encounter the most bone is your cheekbone.
Now check! If that spot is located at or above the bridge of your nose, you probably have high cheekbones. If it’s near the bottom of your nose, they are low.
What Affects Your Cheekbone Shape?
When it comes to high vs low cheekbones, remember there are a couple of things that influence where and how your cheekbones look:
Genetics
Your bone structure is inherited from your family.
Ethnicity
Certain ethnic groups are predisposed to having high cheekbones.
Ageing
As we age, the skin and fat surrounding our cheeks change, modifying the way our cheekbones appear defined. Our cheekbones tend to become less prominent or more prominent with age.
Even if you begin with high cheekbones, they may seem lower with age. This is because of several important reasons:
Loss of firmness of the skin
As you age, your skin diminishes its collagen and elastin, so it no longer clings to the bones as closely.
Fat migration
Facial fat can migrate or decrease, causing cheeks to appear flatter or hollow.
Weakening of muscles
Reduced muscle tone creates a softer, less lifted appearance.
Bone density
As the bone becomes thinner, your cheekbones can become less defined.
These are normal changes, but most people prefer to restore that defined, youthful look.
How to Modify Your Cheekbones?
There are a number of ways to lift your cheekbones — if you need a quick fix or a more lasting effect.
Non-Surgical Methods
Makeup
Makeup is perhaps one of the simplest and most accessible methods for sculpting your cheekbones. To create the illusion of lift and definition, highlight the tops of the cheeks and contour just below. Adding a pop of blush in the correct place also helps create a healthy-looking flush right where the cheekbones are.
Cheek Fillers
Cheek Fillers are a very popular non-surgical option for creating structure and volume. The majority of them contain hyaluronic acid, a natural ingredient in the skin. Cheek fillers are injected with great precision around the cheekbone region to lift and define the area. Effects are seen immediately and last anywhere from 6 to 18 months. They’re perfect for anyone looking to make their features better without downtime or commitment.
Surgical Options
If you’re looking for longer-lasting or more dramatic results, there are several surgical approaches worth considering.
Cheek Implants
Cheek Implants involve placing a small, solid implant over the cheekbone to add structure and height. These are designed to blend naturally with your bone, creating a permanent, enhanced shape. It’s best for people wanting a major change in facial definition.
Fat Transfer
This procedure utilises your own fat, which is extracted from areas such as your stomach or thighs. Your fat is purified and injected into your cheeks. Since it’s your own tissue, the outcome is soft and natural. Fat transfer is favoured for rejuvenating youthful volume that has been lost with time.
Buccal Fat Removal
Buccal fat removal is not done directly on the cheekbones. By removing fullness here, the upper cheekbones stand out more. It’s perfect for individuals who desire a more defined, chiselled face.
Facelifts
They exist in various forms — micro, mini, or full — but all serve to lift sagging skin. Not specifically targeted at the cheekbones, facelifts tend to result in more prominent cheekbones as the skin is tightened and pulled upward. The treatment can provide a general youthful appearance, particularly when combined with other treatments.
Which Option Is Right for You?
Choosing between surgical and non-surgical options depends on your needs, lifestyle, and the desired level of change.
For an immediate pick-me-up or if you’re just trying out facial enhancements, cheek fillers or makeup are excellent options to experiment with a new look with little risk. For a fixed, dramatic change, surgical procedures offer long-lasting results and a more pronounced lift.
It’s also something to consider when thinking about your comfort with recovery time, how natural you desire the result to appear, and your total budget.
Consulting with a professional can help you determine what is best for you.
Final Thoughts
AMS Aesthetics provides the Butterfly Treatment – a signature, non-surgical solution to lift and shape the cheekbones. Not just the cheeks, this full-face rejuvenation helps enhance other features, such as the nose, lips, jawline, and chin.
The results are fabulous, providing natural-looking outcomes without the need for surgery or extended recovery.
Whether you were born with high cheekbones or low ones, our Butterfly Treatment is specifically designed to accentuate your unique beauty and restore balance to your face.
Book your appointment today with AMS Aesthetics and let your natural beauty soar.
FAQs About High vs Low Cheekbones
1. Which ethnicity has low cheekbones?
People from West Asian backgrounds often have low cheekbones. But everyone is different, and cheekbone shape can vary in all groups.
2. Is a high cheekbone attractive?
Many people consider high cheekbones more attractive because they can make the face appear younger and more balanced. But beauty comes in all shapes!
3. Which cheeks are beautiful?
Both high and low cheekbones can be beautiful. However:
- In men, high cheekbones and a strong jaw often look more masculine.
- In women, high cheekbones are linked with a more elegant and symmetrical face.
4. Which ethnicity has high cheekbones?
Some ethnicities like African, Asian, and Amerindian known for High Cheekbones. Some communities’ especially Asian prefers high cheekbones as they believes that it is a sig of commitment.
