Can Botox Lift Cheekbones? What Does & Doesn’t Work

When you’re looking in the mirror and wishing your cheekbones looked a little higher or more defined, it’s easy to assume Botox could be the quick fix. After all, Botox is one of the most well-known injectable treatments in the world. But here’s the truth: while Botox can smooth lines and subtly change muscle activity, it’s not designed to create volume or give a true lift to the mid-face.

So, can Botox really lift cheekbones? Not in the way most people hope. Let’s break down why that is, what Botox can do in the cheek area, and the treatments that actually deliver a lifted, more sculpted look.

Why Botox Can’t Build or Lift Cheekbones

Botox (botulinum toxin) works by temporarily relaxing the muscles where it’s injected. This is perfect for softening dynamic wrinkles, think crow’s feet, forehead lines, and the “11s” between your brows. But cheekbone definition isn’t about overactive muscles, it’s about structure, volume, and skin support.

Here’s why Botox falls short for cheek lifts:

• No added volume – Cheek contour comes from bone structure, fat pads, and skin thickness. Botox doesn’t fill or plump, it just relaxes muscles.
  

• Limited lifting effect – At best, Botox can slightly relax downward-pulling muscles in the lower face, which may create a tiny “apparent” lift. But in the cheek area, there aren’t many muscles to relax for that effect.
  

• Short-term changes – Even the small improvements Botox can create last about 3–4 months, compared to longer-lasting mid-face treatments.
  

If your goal is sharper cheekbones or a more youthful mid-face contour, Botox alone won’t cut it.

When Botox Does Help Around the Cheeks

While Botox won’t physically lift cheekbones, it can complement other treatments:

• Soften crow’s feet – Smoother skin around the eyes draws more attention to the upper cheek area.
  

• Jawline slimming – Relaxing the masseter muscles can create a softer lower face, indirectly making cheekbones appear more prominent.
  

• Gummy smile reduction – Botox can lower an overly high upper lip position, balancing facial proportions.
  

Think of Botox as a supporting player in cheek enhancement, not the lead.

What Works for Lifting & Defining Cheekbones

For real cheekbone lift and contour, you need to restore structure and skin support. Two of the most effective, minimally invasive options are dermal fillers and PDO thread lifts, and in some cases, combining them gives the most natural, long-lasting result.

1. Dermal Fillers for Cheek Volume & Contour

Hyaluronic acid-based fillers like Restylane® and Juvéderm® are the gold standard for mid-face enhancement. By placing filler along the cheekbone or into the deep fat pads, we can:

• Restore youthful volume lost with age
  

• Create a more defined contour
  

• Support and lift the mid-face skin
  

How it works: The filler acts like an internal scaffold, propping up the overlying skin and subtly elevating the cheek area.

Treatment time: Around 30 minutes
Results: Immediate, with optimal settling in 1–2 weeks
Longevity: 6–18 months, depending on product choice and your metabolism
Downtime: Minimal, some swelling or bruising possible for a few days

Because we can place filler with precision, the result is highly customizable, from a barely-there refresh to a more dramatic sculpted look.

2. PDO Thread Lift for Skin Support & Elevation

PDO (polydioxanone) threads are ultra-thin, dissolvable sutures placed under the skin with a needle or cannula. Barbed threads are especially effective for lifting sagging skin along the cheeks and jawline.

How it works:

• Barbed threads grip the tissue and physically lift it upward
  

• Over the next 6–9 months, the threads dissolve, triggering collagen, elastin, and hyaluronic acid production
  

• The new collagen network continues to hold the skin in its improved position for up to a year or more
  

Treatment time: 45–60 minutes
Results: Immediate lift with ongoing improvement as collagen builds
Longevity: Around 12 months for lift, with skin quality benefits lasting longer
Downtime: 1–2 days for most, minor swelling or bruising can occur

PDO threads are perfect for patients who want a lift without surgery, and they pair beautifully with cheek fillers to replace both volume and support.

The Power of Combining Fillers & Threads

For many people, the best cheek lift comes from using filler and PDO threads together:

• Filler replaces the lost volume that creates a hollow or flat cheek area.
  

• Threads reposition sagging skin back to where it belongs.
  

This two-step approach addresses both the cause (volume loss + skin laxity) and the effect (flattened or drooping cheeks), giving a more complete and longer-lasting result.

What About Other Treatments?

While Botox, fillers, and PDO threads are the main players, other options can enhance cheek definition:

• Endolift® – A laser-based treatment that tightens skin and melts small pockets of fat, great for improving jawline and mid-face contour over time.
  

• Microneedling with PRF – Boosts collagen for overall skin quality, which can make lifted cheeks look even better.
  

• Skincare & sun protection – Collagen breakdown from sun exposure accelerates volume loss and skin laxity, so prevention is key.

Choosing the Right Approach

Your ideal cheek-lifting treatment depends on:

• Your main concern – Is it flatness, sagging, or both?
  

• Skin quality – Thin or crepey skin benefits more from collagen-stimulating treatments like PDO threads.
  

• Desired downtime – Filler has little downtime; threads may need a few days for recovery.
  

• Budget & longevity goals – Filler touch-ups may be needed every year; threads can last a bit longer, and combination treatments often give the best value over time.
  

At Beauty Cult, we always start with a detailed consultation to evaluate your bone structure, volume loss, and skin condition. Then we create a plan tailored just for you, whether that’s filler, threads, or a strategic combination.

Finding the Right Medical Spa for you

Botox is a powerful tool for softening wrinkles and balancing facial features, but it won’t create the kind of cheek lift most people imagine. For real mid-face enhancement, dermal fillers and PDO thread lifts are your best bets, and when used together, they can restore youthful volume, reposition sagging skin, and define your cheekbones beautifully.

Ready to see how your cheekbones could look with the right treatment?
Book a consultation at Beauty Cult, and let’s create a natural, refreshed look that feels like you, only lifted.

📍 Locations: Redondo Beach & Costa Mesa
📞 Call:(310) 464-1369