What Is a Flat Face? Causes, How to Check and Ways to Add Facial Definition In 2026

Many people feel self-conscious in side-on photos, or look in the mirror and see a face that seems smooth and lacking definition. This is what many people call a ‘flat face’. It is common: more than 60% of Asian people have a facial structure that tends to be flatter, because of genetics and the physical traits of their ethnic group.

Key points

• A flat face is a face that lacks definition when seen from the side. The cheekbones, forehead, nose or chin do not project clearly, so the face looks flat overall.
• There are 5 main causes: genetics, bone structure, muscle and fat, age, and habits that affect the face.
• A simple self-check is to use a mirror or take a side-on (profile) photo and see whether the line from the forehead to the nose, mouth and chin curves or runs straight.
• Non-surgical options include filler injections, thread lifts, botulinum toxin injections and fat reduction injections. Changes appear sooner, but they do not last long term.
• Surgical options include rhinoplasty, cheek, chin or forehead augmentation, and V-line facial contouring. Results are long term and depend on each person.
• Rhinoplasty at S45 Clinic is one place to start when treating a flat face, because the nose is at the centre of the face and adding definition there affects the overall look, depending on each person.

The good news is that in 2026 there are many ways to add definition to the face, from things you can do at home, such as make-up and hairstyles, to medical options such as filler injections, thread lifts, braces and surgery. This article covers what a flat face is, what causes it and how to check yourself, through to every treatment option, so you can decide based on complete information.

Table of Contents

• What is a flat face? Features and how to spot it
• What causes a flat face? 5 main causes
• How to check whether you have a flat face
• Flat forehead, a separate issue to consider
• Flat face in men and women, what is the difference?
• Non-surgical ways to treat a flat face
• Surgical ways to treat a flat face
• Flat face, which rhinoplasty nose shape adds definition?
• Flat face, can braces help?
• Flat face treatment comparison table
• Basic make-up and hairstyle tips to add definition
• Questions to ask your doctor before deciding
• Why choose S45 Clinic for flat face treatment
• Frequently asked questions
• Summary

What Is a Flat Face? Features and How to Spot It

A flat face is a facial shape that lacks definition when seen from the side (profile view). Parts of the face, such as the forehead, cheekbones, nose or chin, do not curve or project enough to create depth, so the face looks flat overall.

A flat face is common in Asian people because of genetics and ethnic bone structure. Current beauty standards favour faces with clear proportions and a defined cheekbone, nasal bridge and chin, so many people look for ways to add more definition to their face.

Before looking for a treatment, work out what ‘flat face’ means for you, because flat faces differ from person to person and the right treatment differs too.

Common Features of a Flat Face

• Flat cheekbones: from the front and side, the cheekbones do not curve outwards clearly, so the cheeks look flat.
• Flat forehead: seen from the side, the line from the hairline to the brow bone is straight or slopes very little.
• Flat nose with a low bridge: the nasal bridge does not rise much from the face, so the centre of the face lacks definition.
• Short or receding chin: the chin does not project clearly, so the lower face lacks definition.
• Wide-set eyes: a wide distance between the eyes adds to the flat appearance.

Why a Flat Face Looks Less Defined

A face looks defined when light and shadow fall on its different parts and create depth. When a face has clear raised and hollow areas, light reflects off the raised areas and shadows create depth in the hollows. A flat face does not have clear raised and hollow areas, so light falls evenly and the face looks flat, without a focal point.

Is a Flat Face Linked to Health?

A flat face is mostly about bone structure and appearance, not a health problem. In some cases, it may be linked to an abnormal bite, long-term mouth breathing in childhood or a bone condition. If you are worried, speak to a dentist or a qualified doctor for an assessment.

What Causes a Flat Face? 5 Main Causes

Many people ask “what causes a flat face?” There is no single answer. It is a combination of factors that shape the face from birth to the present.

Understanding the real cause of your flat face helps you choose the right treatment. Filler injections have a limited effect on a flat face caused by bone structure, and surgery to augment the bone structure does not address a flat face caused by excess fat.

Before deciding on a treatment, assess the cause yourself or see a doctor for a clear diagnosis.

1. Genetics and Ethnicity

The main reason Asian people tend to have flatter faces than Western people is facial bone structure passed down through genes. The cheekbones project less, the nasal bridge is lower and the angle between the forehead and nose is naturally flatter. Children of parents with a flat face may also have a flat face.

2. Facial Bone Structure

The height of the cheekbones (zygomatic bone), the curve of the forehead (frontal bone) and the length of the jawbone (mandible) directly shape how defined the face is. People whose bones are flat by structure look flat-faced whether they are slim or heavier.

3. Muscle and Fat

In some people, the face looks flat because of a lot of fat built up in the cheeks and jawline, which hides the raised areas of the bone. In others, the face looks flat because of thick facial muscles (such as the jaw muscles), which make the jawline look wide so other features stand out less.

4. Age

With age, the fat under the skin decreases and bone starts to break down (bone resorption), so the raised areas of the face become less prominent. Many older adults feel their face is flatter than before, or looks sunken, especially at the forehead and cheeks.

5. Habits and Oral Health

An abnormal bite, long-term mouth breathing in childhood, often sleeping face down, or chewing on one side for a long time can affect the shape of the jawbone and jawline. Children who breathe through their mouth for a long time may develop a facial shape known as ‘adenoid face’, which looks flat and long.

How to Check Whether You Have a Flat Face

Many people wonder whether they really have a ‘flat face’ or are just imagining it. A simple self-check before seeing a doctor will help you understand your face more clearly.

The checks below need only a mirror and a phone camera. You can do them at home without visiting a clinic. For an accurate diagnosis, see a qualified doctor for a detailed assessment.

Before checking, remove all make-up and tie your hair back so your face shape is clear, for more accurate results.

Method 1, Take a Side-on Photo (Profile View)

Take a photo of your face turned 90 degrees to the side at eye level. Then imagine a line from the forehead to the nasal bridge, mouth and chin. If the line is almost straight and parallel to the face, the face is fairly flat. If the line curves with clear raised and hollow areas, the face has reasonable definition.

Method 2, Hold a Pen Upright

Look in the mirror and hold a pen upright from the tip of your nose downwards. If your upper lip and chin are both behind the pen, your face tends to be flat. If your chin or lips project past the line, your face has good definition.

Method 3, Check Your Cheekbones in the Mirror

Stand in front of a mirror in normal light and look straight at your face. If you can see a small shadow under your cheekbones, your cheekbones have some projection. If there is no shadow and your cheeks look level with your nose, your cheekbones are not well defined.

Method 4, Check Your Forehead From the Side

Take a side-on photo and look at the line from your hairline to your brow bone. If it is straight or slopes very little, your forehead is flat. If it curves clearly, your forehead has normal definition.

When to See a Doctor

If the checks show a flat face in several areas, or you feel less confident about your appearance, see a qualified doctor to assess the cause and recommend a treatment that suits your facial structure. An accurate assessment needs an examination by a doctor and cannot be made from photos alone.

Flat Forehead, a Separate Issue to Consider

A flat forehead is an issue many people overlook, but it has a large effect on overall facial definition. In the Thai plastic surgery market in 2026, forehead augmentation is becoming more common, as people recognise the importance of a forehead that is in balance with the face.

A flat forehead lacks a curve. Seen from the side, from the hairline to the brow bone, it is straight or slopes very little, which makes the face look flat and out of balance.

Beyond appearance, some people in Thailand also prefer a full, rounded forehead for traditional cultural reasons.

Features of a Flat Forehead

A flat forehead can take several forms, from a forehead that is level and straight, or one that slopes backwards (sloped forehead), to one with dips or hollows in some areas, such as a sunken forehead in the middle or a dented forehead that shows clearly under light.

Causes of a Flat Forehead

• Genetics and bone: the forehead bone (frontal bone) projects little because of its structure.
• Accident or impact: this can change the shape of the forehead bone in some areas.
• Age: fat and collagen under the skin decrease, so the forehead looks sunken.
• Previous surgery: such as head surgery that affected the shape of the forehead.
• Certain conditions: such as bone conditions that affect the shape of the skull.

Ways to Treat a Flat Forehead

• Forehead filler injections: changes are usually visible soon after treatment and last 12 to 18 months. Suitable if you want to try a shape first.
• Fat grafting (using your own fat): uses fat from your own body. Results last for some time, depending on each person.
• Silicone forehead augmentation: surgery to place a silicone implant in the forehead. Results are long term and the shape stays stable over time.
• Bone cement forehead augmentation: uses a special material moulded to shape.

Which Option to Choose

For a mildly flat forehead, filler injections may be enough. For a clearly flat forehead or one with dips, see a qualified doctor to consider longer-term augmentation, because filler injections in large amounts that need repeating over time can cost more in total than surgery.

Flat Face in Men and Women, What Is the Difference?

Many people think a flat face is only a concern for women, but in reality many men worry about it too. They may simply feel less comfortable talking about it or looking for treatment.

The difference between a flat face in men and women is not the cause (the causes are the same), but the ‘shape’ each wants from treatment. Men usually want a handsome, strongly defined look, while women usually want a softer, more charming look.

Men and women can use the same treatments, but the shape design and the size of the material used will differ.

The Look Men Want When Treating a Flat Face

Most men want a sharp, handsome look with a clear jawline, prominent cheekbones and chin, and a straight, strong nasal bridge. A shape many men choose is a strongly defined masculine look, using a larger silicone implant and a higher bridge for rhinoplasty.

The Look Women Want When Treating a Flat Face

Most women want a soft, sweet look with balanced definition that is not harsh. A shape many women choose has an upturned nasal tip, cheekbones with moderate projection and a slim chin, using a smaller silicone implant and a smoother shape.

Common Treatments for Each Sex

• Men: rhinoplasty, chin augmentation and targeted cheek augmentation.
• Women: rhinoplasty, cheek filler injections, chin filler injections and thread lifts.

Advice for Men

If you are a man interested in treating a flat face, choose a clinic with clear experience of treating men, look at review cases of men specifically, and talk to the doctor in detail about the look you want, to avoid a result that looks forced or out of keeping with your face.

Non-Surgical Ways to Treat a Flat Face

If you are not ready for surgery, or want to try a small change before a long-term decision, there are several non-surgical ways to treat a flat face that give visible changes and usually need little recovery time.

These methods cost less than surgery in the short term, but the results are not long term and need repeating at intervals. Over time the total cost may be higher than surgery, but they are a good option for trying a shape before you decide.

Each method suits different cases and areas. Choosing the right one needs an assessment by a qualified doctor.

1. Hyaluronic Acid Filler Injections

Hyaluronic acid filler injections under the skin add projection to parts of the face, such as the forehead, cheekbones, nasal bridge or chin. The price is about THB 8,000 to 25,000 per area, and it lasts 12 to 24 months depending on the type of product. Changes are usually visible soon after the injection. Find out more about filler injections

2. Thread Lift

Absorbable threads are inserted under the skin to lift and stimulate collagen production, helping reshape the face to look more defined. The price is about THB 8,000 to 30,000 per session, and it lasts 8 to 24 months. Suitable for lifting the cheeks or jawline.

3. Botulinum Toxin Injections

Injecting botulinum toxin reduces muscle size, such as a large jaw muscle (masseter) that makes the jawline look wide, or forehead muscles that make the forehead look sunken. The effect lasts 4 to 6 months. Suitable when a flat face is caused by thick muscles.

4. Fat Reduction Injections

Injecting a product into areas with excess fat, such as the lower cheeks or a double chin, helps the jawline look slimmer and makes the raised areas of the face stand out more. Changes appear gradually over 1 to 3 months.

5. Fat Grafting (Using Your Own Fat)

Fat is removed from another part of the body (such as the thighs or abdomen) and injected into areas of the face that lack definition. Results last for some time, depending on each person. The price is about THB 30,000 to 100,000, but it needs minor surgery to remove the fat.

Surgical Ways to Treat a Flat Face

If you want long-term results and a clear change, surgery is an option with longer-lasting results, but it needs more recovery time and a larger investment than non-surgical methods.

Surgery for a flat face can be divided into several types by the area to augment. The ‘right’ choice for you is one that ‘matches your face and your goals’, not treating every area at once.

A qualified doctor will assess your face and recommend which area to start with to get results that suit your budget.

1. Rhinoplasty

A common place to start, because the nose is at the centre of the face. Suitable rhinoplasty can add definition to the whole face without needing to treat other areas. Techniques range from closed rhinoplasty to open rib rhinoplasty (using rib cartilage). Compare the options in more detail on rhinoplasty (nose surgery)

2. Cheek Augmentation

A silicone implant or cartilage is placed on the cheekbone to make the cheeks look fuller and the face more defined. Suitable for people whose cheekbones are flat by structure. The price is about THB 80,000 to 200,000, and surgery takes 1 to 2 hours.

3. Chin Augmentation

A silicone implant is placed on the chin bone to make the lower face look more defined and in balance with the upper face. Suitable for people with a short or receding chin. The price is about THB 30,000 to 80,000, surgery takes 30 to 60 minutes and recovery takes 7 to 10 days.

4. Forehead Augmentation

A silicone forehead implant or a special material moulded to shape gives the forehead a curve that is in balance with the face. Suitable for a sunken forehead or a dented forehead. The price is about THB 100,000 to 300,000, and surgery takes 2 to 3 hours.

5. V-Line Facial Contouring

Surgery to reshape the jawbone creates a slim, defined V-shaped jawline. It is a complex procedure that must be done in a hospital that meets standards. The price is around THB 200,000 to 500,000 or more. Suitable when the jawline is clearly wide.

Where to Start

For a moderately flat face, rhinoplasty alone often gives a visible and worthwhile change, depending on each person, because the nose is the centre that affects the overall look. If several areas are flat, you may need to plan treatment in stages, starting with the most noticeable area.

Flat Face, Which Rhinoplasty Nose Shape Adds Definition?

Of all the ways to treat a flat face, rhinoplasty is a worthwhile option for most cases, because the nose is at the centre of the face and adding definition there affects the overall look, depending on each person.

However, rhinoplasty for a flat face needs the right shape and technique. Not every shape suits a flat face. The wrong shape can make the nose look stuck on, or look forced and out of proportion.

Before deciding on rhinoplasty, see a qualified doctor who will assess your facial proportions and recommend a shape that suits you.

1. Pointed Tip Nose Shape

A shape with an upturned, slim, defined tip, which adds definition when seen from the side. It suits a flat face where you want a sweeter look. Raising the nasal bridge together with an upturned tip helps the face look more defined. Find out more about a projected tip when you have little nasal tissue

2. Teardrop Tip Nose Shape

A classic teardrop tip shape, where the tip curves like a drop of water, for a soft look. It suits a face that needs more definition without looking harsh. Many women who want a soft, sweet look choose this shape.

3. Straight, Smooth Bridge Nose Shape

A shape with a straight bridge that slopes smoothly and a slightly upturned tip, a look many people in Asia choose. It suits people who want a modern look and can be adjusted to fit the proportions of a flat face.

4. High, Sharp Bridge Nose Shape

A shape with a high, straight, sharp bridge and only a slightly upturned tip, for a strong, bold look. It suits women with a flat face who want a strong, modern look, or men who want a clearly handsome look.

Choosing a Technique for a Flat Face

• Slightly flat face: closed rhinoplasty with a silicone implant
• Moderately flat face: open rhinoplasty with a silicone implant and ear cartilage
• Clearly flat face with a very flat nasal base: open rib rhinoplasty (using rib cartilage)
• Had surgery before but the face still looks flat: revision with open rib rhinoplasty to add new definition. See revision rhinoplasty

Flat Face, Can Braces Help?

Many people wonder whether braces can help a flat face. The answer is “to some extent, but not in every case”. Braces affect facial structure only when a flat face is mainly caused by an abnormal bite.

Braces take 1 to 3 years and need a lot of patience, but in suitable cases they can adjust the jaw structure and have a significant effect on facial definition.

Before deciding on braces to treat a flat face, see an orthodontist to assess whether braces suit your case.

Cases Where Braces Can Help

• Class III bite (protruding chin): braces combined with jaw surgery help bring the face into balance.
• Crooked or twisted teeth that make the lips protrude or sink abnormally: braces help adjust the proportions.
• Protruding upper teeth (Class II) that make the chin look short: braces help make the chin look more defined.
• Open bite: braces combined with other treatment help adjust facial definition.

Cases Where Braces Cannot Help

• A flat face from low cheekbones: bones not related to the teeth do not change with braces.
• Flat forehead: the forehead structure is not related to the bite.
• Flat nose with a low bridge: the issue is in the nasal bones and cartilage and needs rhinoplasty.

Limits of Braces for a Flat Face

Braces have a limited effect on the face. They can only change what relates to the bite and the position of the teeth, and cannot change the cheekbones, forehead or nasal bridge. So if your flat face is not caused by your bite, braces will not help.

Advice

See both an orthodontist and a plastic surgeon to assess the cause of your flat face in detail. Some cases may need both braces and surgery together to get a suitable result.

Flat Face Treatment Comparison Table

The table below compares each way to treat a flat face, with information to help you choose what matches your case and needs. Prices are general ranges in the Thai market in 2026.

Before deciding, see a qualified doctor to assess your face and get advice for your case, because the right method depends on the cause of your flat face, your goals and your budget.

Note Prices for services at S45 Clinic are updated according to the clinic’s promotions and terms. Ask about the price for your case on LINE @s45clinic.official

Comparison Table, Ways to Treat a Flat Face

Method	Suitable area	Time to see results	How long it lasts	General market price	S45 Clinic price
Filler injections	All areas (forehead, cheekbones, nose, chin)	Usually soon after treatment	12 to 24 months	THB 8,000 to 25,000 per area	[ Price to be added by the S45 team ]
Thread lift	Cheek lift, jawline	1 to 2 weeks	8 to 24 months	THB 8,000 to 30,000	[ Price to be added by the S45 team ]
Botulinum toxin injections	Jaw slimming, forehead shaping	1 to 2 weeks	4 to 6 months	THB 5,000 to 15,000	[ Price to be added by the S45 team ]
Fat grafting	Any sunken area	1 to 3 months	Several years	THB 30,000 to 100,000	[ Price to be added by the S45 team ]
Rhinoplasty	Flat nose, low bridge	1 to 2 months	Long term (5 to 15 years or more)	THB 15,000 to 300,000 or more	[ Price to be added by the S45 team ]
Cheek augmentation	Flat cheekbones	1 to 3 months	Long term	THB 80,000 to 200,000	[ Price to be added by the S45 team ]
Chin augmentation	Short or receding chin	1 to 2 months	Long term	THB 30,000 to 80,000	[ Price to be added by the S45 team ]
Forehead augmentation	Flat or sunken forehead	2 to 3 months	Long term	THB 100,000 to 300,000	[ Price to be added by the S45 team ]
V-Line	Wide jawline	3 to 6 months	Long term	THB 200,000 to 500,000 or more	[ Price to be added by the S45 team ]
Braces	Abnormal bite	1 to 3 years	Long term	THB 50,000 to 200,000	[ Price to be added by the S45 team ]

Notes on Reading the Table

Non-surgical methods show changes sooner and start at a lower price, but need repeating over time. Surgery gives long-term results and is better value over time for a clear change. The right choice for you depends on your goals, budget and readiness for recovery.

Basic Make-Up and Hairstyle Tips to Add Definition

Before deciding on any procedure, try make-up and hairstyle techniques to add definition to your face. They take only a few minutes to learn, do not cost much and show a visible change straight away.

The effect of make-up and hairstyles is not long term and needs repeating every day, but it is a good option if you are not ready for a procedure, or want to try a small change to build confidence first.

Although these techniques do not change your facial structure, they can create visual definition surprisingly well.

1. Contouring

Apply a darker powder or cream under the cheekbones, on both sides of the nose, along the edges of the forehead and under the chin to create shadows that make the face look more defined. Use it with highlighter (a lighter shade) on the raised areas of the face, such as the nasal bridge, the upper forehead, the cheekbones and the chin.

2. Highlighting the Cheekbones

Sweep blusher or highlighter softly across the middle of the cheekbones to make the cheeks look fuller and give the face a 3D sense of depth straight away. It is a technique that uses little product for a noticeable effect.

3. Drawing the Eyebrows

Shaped, arched eyebrows help add definition to the upper face. If you have a flat face, draw your brows with a defined tail, beginning at a clearly defined inner brow, to create a starting point for facial definition.

4. Hairstyles That Add Definition

• See-through fringe: reduces the flat look of the forehead by adding layers and a light texture over the forehead.
• Face-framing layers: create a more defined outline and reduce the flat look of the face outline.
• Tied-back hair or a high ponytail: shows the face shape clearly and makes the face look longer and more defined.
• Shoulder-length hair with layers: softens the edges of the face and reduces the flat look of the face outline.

5. Glasses to Add Definition

Glasses with bold frames can add definition to the front of the face straight away, especially glasses with a bold upper rim, which help balance a flat forehead.

Questions to Ask Your Doctor Before Deciding

Many people go for a clinic consultation and only hear sales staff explain promotions, without asking the key questions that affect the result. Taking a list of questions with you helps you get complete information and make an informed decision.

The questions below suit every way of treating a flat face, from filler injections and thread lifts to surgery. Asking questions does not mean you distrust the clinic. It means you are taking responsibility for your own face.

A good doctor will be happy to answer every question carefully. A clinic that hesitates or avoids questions may be a sign to consider other options.

Questions About the Assessment

• What is causing my flat face (bone structure, fat or muscle)?
• Which area should I start with to make the most of my budget?
• How many areas do you recommend, and in what order?
• Are there any areas I think need treatment that do not actually need it?

Questions About Methods and Techniques

• Which method do you recommend for my case, and why?
• Is there a non-surgical option that gives a similar result?
• What material will be used, and is it registered with the Thai Food and Drug Administration or does it meet an international standard?
• When will I see the result, and how long will it last?

Questions About the Doctors

• Who will perform my treatment, and what qualifications do they have?
• Has the doctor completed specialty training in this field?
• How many cases similar to mine has the doctor treated?
• Can I see before and after photos of previous cases?

Questions About Clinic Standards

• Is the clinic licensed by the Department of Health Service Support (DHSS)?
• For surgery, does the operating theatre meet recognised standards?
• Is there one-to-one care from an anaesthetist when a general anaesthetic is used?
• How many months does aftercare follow-up last?

Questions About Risks and Side Effects

• What are the risks and side effects?
• If complications occur, how does the clinic handle them?
• Is there a guarantee policy, and which cases does it cover?
• How long is the recovery period?

Why Choose S45 Clinic for Flat Face Treatment

S45 Clinic is a plastic surgery clinic that focuses on the nose and designs each nose shape for the individual, under the promise “Because every kind of beauty comes from care”. We look after you from assessment through to recovery, which makes the clinic well suited to treating a flat face at its central point, the nose.

Surgeons Trained in Otolaryngology and Facial Plastic Surgery

Our surgeons have training in otolaryngology and in the subspecialty of facial plastic and reconstructive surgery, and treat a wide range of nose cases. They assess your face and design a nose shape to suit the proportions of your flat face.

A Focus on the Middle of the Face

The nose is at the centre of the face. Well-designed rhinoplasty affects the overall look of the face and can make a flat face look more defined without treating other areas, depending on each person. This suits people who want to start with a worthwhile investment.

Open Rib Rhinoplasty Technique

S45 Clinic uses open rib rhinoplasty, which uses rib cartilage to build the nasal structure, in both hybrid rib and total rib forms. It suits cases with a very flat nasal base or cases that need long-term durability. Find out more about which nose shape gives a sweeter look

Operating Theatre Standards and Aftercare

Our operating theatre meets standards, with one-to-one care from an anaesthetist when a general anaesthetic is used, and a dedicated aftercare team providing follow-up for 1 year after surgery. There is also a care policy for problems such as a tilted or crooked nose or infection, under the clinic’s terms.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Causes a Flat Face?

A flat face has 5 main causes: genetics and ethnicity (common in Asian people), facial bone structure (cheekbones, forehead, nose and chin that project little), muscle and fat, age (loss of bone and fat), and habits (such as long-term mouth breathing in childhood or an abnormal bite). The real cause for each person needs an assessment by a qualified doctor.

How Can I Treat a Flat Face That Lacks Definition?

There are several options, from non-surgical to surgical:

• Non-surgical filler injections, thread lifts, botulinum toxin injections and fat reduction injections, with changes that appear sooner but do not last long term
• Surgery rhinoplasty, cheek augmentation, chin augmentation, forehead augmentation and V-line contouring, with long-term results

The choice depends on the cause, the area to treat, your budget and your readiness for recovery. Starting with the most noticeable area, such as rhinoplasty, is often recommended, because it can clearly affect the overall look of the face.

What Does a Flat Face Look Like?

A flat face lacks definition when seen from the side. Parts such as the cheekbones, forehead, nose or chin do not project enough. A simple check is to take a side-on photo at 90 degrees and imagine a line from the forehead to the nose, mouth and chin. If the line is almost straight and parallel to the face, the face is fairly flat.

What Can I Do About a Flat Forehead?

A flat forehead can be treated in several ways depending on how flat it is:

• Mild forehead filler injections (last 12 to 18 months)
• Moderate fat grafting (using your own fat), with results that last for some time depending on each person
• Clearly flat silicone or bone cement forehead augmentation, with long-term results

If your forehead has clear dips or hollows, see a qualified doctor to consider a suitable method.

Is Rhinoplasty Alone Enough for a Flat Face?

For a moderately flat face, rhinoplasty alone often gives a visible and worthwhile change, because the nose is the centre that affects the overall look of the face. If several areas are clearly flat, you may need to plan treatment in stages, starting with the most noticeable area and then considering other areas. An accurate assessment needs an examination by a doctor.

Can Braces Help a Flat Face?

Braces can help a flat face ‘to some extent’, only when it is caused by an abnormal bite, such as protruding teeth, an open bite or a protruding chin (Class III). They do not help when a flat face is caused by low cheekbones, a flat forehead or a low nasal bridge, because braces do not change bones that are not related to the teeth. Complex cases may need both braces and surgery.

Can a Flat Face in Men Be Treated, and With the Same Methods as Women?

Men can treat a flat face with the same methods as women, but the shape design differs. Men usually aim for a strongly defined masculine look with a straight, sharp nasal bridge and prominent cheekbones and chin, using a larger silicone implant and a stronger shape. Women usually aim for a soft, sweet look, using smaller materials and a smoother shape.

Filler Injections or Surgery, Which Suits a Flat Face?

It depends on your case and what you want:

• Choose filler injections if you want to try a shape before a long-term decision, are not ready for recovery time, have a limited budget at first, or have a mildly flat face
• Choose surgery if you want long-term results, have a clearly flat face, want long-term value and are ready for recovery time

For a clear, lasting change, surgery is better value over time, because filler injections need topping up every 12 to 24 months, so the total cost over time is higher than many people expect.

Summary

A flat face is a facial shape that lacks definition from the side. It is common in Asian people because of genetics, bone structure, fat and muscle, age and facial habits. Before treatment, check yourself with a side-on photo and assess the real cause.

There are many ways to treat a flat face, from make-up and hairstyles you can do at home to filler injections, thread lifts, botulinum toxin injections, fat grafting, braces and surgery to augment different areas of the face. Each method has its own benefits, limits and suitability for different cases.

For most cases, rhinoplasty is a good place to start, because the nose is at the centre of the face and adding definition there affects the overall look, depending on each person, without needing to treat other areas. If several areas are clearly flat, you may need to plan treatment in stages, starting with the most noticeable area.

The key is to see a qualified doctor to assess the real cause of your flat face and choose a method that suits your facial structure and goals, because treating the right area is better value than trying several methods. As the S45 Clinic promise says, “Because every kind of beauty comes from care”

Surgery and medical procedures carry risks. Find out about them and consult a doctor before you decide. Results depend on each person.