Hyaluronic acid injection for hollow cheeks & more

DR RACHEL HO, Medical Director of La Clinic, chats with us about the benefits of a new hyaluronic acid injection treatment for hollow cheeks and general sagging skin. It’s designed to bring back the face’s natural plumpness. Read on for her insights – plus a first-hand review from an EL reader!

Tell us about this new hyaluronic acid injection coined the ‘hybrid cooperative complex for structure’ treatment, now available at La Clinic. How does it work?

This advanced hyaluronic acid injection combines hybrid complexes of high- and low-molecular-weight hyaluronic acid, created through a patented thermal process that uses no chemical cross-linkers. Unlike conventional hyaluronic acid injections, it actively restores adipose (fat) tissue beneath the skin rather than simply hydrating the dermis.

I inject the complex into the superficial fat compartments in areas such as the hollow cheeks using a cannula, where it helps restore fat structure. It also encourages adipocyte regeneration, supporting the proliferation and differentiation of fat cells, allowing volume and structure to rebuild naturally.

What are the benefits of this hyaluronic acid injection, compared to other injections people may already know or have tried?

A benefit is that this hyaluronic acid injection is not a filler nor a pure skin-hydration treatment. Instead, it works directly on the fat compartments. So it is especially effective in helping to restore facial contours and create a subtle lifting effect.

What are some skin concerns or issues that this treatment is especially effective for?

Some skin concerns that can benefit from this hyaluronic acid treatment include:

• Facial volume loss such as sunken, hollow cheeks (sometimes called “sinkers”)
• Sagging tissue around the jowls (sometimes referred to as “saggers”)
• Hollowing from ageing or rapid weight loss
• Thinning of the superficial fat layer that leads to a loss of cheek contour

Have you noticed any misconceptions patients have when it comes to injectable treatments?

A common misconception is that injectable treatments are limited to just fillers and botulinum toxin. Another is the belief that results will always look unnatural or overdone. In reality, modern injectables can be tailored to deliver very natural-looking outcomes.

Who’s an ideal candidate for this hyaluronic acid injection?

The ideal candidates are people in their 30s and beyond who have noticed hollowing in the cheeks or sagging in the jowl area. It’s also a good option for those experiencing early fat loss who would prefer regenerative effects without using fillers.

How long do the results last, and is maintenance required?

The treatment protocol calls for two sessions, spaced one month apart. Results typically last between four to six months, after which maintenance is recommended every five to six months.

How much does the hyaluronic acid injection cost?

Each session is priced at $1,400. Patients may also wish to complement the procedure with a recovery LED treatment, which we often recommend at the end of a session to optimise results.

EL reader Laurian recently got to experience the hybrid cooperative complex for structure treatment at La Clinic. Here’s her take!

“Lately, I’ve been feeling that creeping loss of structure in my face – especially around the jowls and mid-cheek area. It’s not drastic, but just enough to feel like things aren’t sitting quite where they used to. A friend recommended Dr Rachel Ho at La Clinic, reporting her to be precise, knowledgeable and great at explaining the why behind each treatment. So when I had the opportunity to try a new hyaluronic acid injection treatment, I was excited to jump on it.

The clinic at Paragon feels serene and quietly luxurious. I was here to try the hybrid cooperative complex for structure treatment, which differs from traditional skin boosters. Instead of just hydrating, this formulation restores volume and structure by targeting the superficial fat layer, where women in their 40s (like me!) often see the most sagging and hollowing – especially around the cheeks and jowls. I was intrigued when Dr Ho explained that this hyaluronic acid injection specifically benefits adipose tissue restoration to lift and strengthen areas where the cheeks tend to hollow or droop.

Dr Ho walked me through the whole process in detail, pointing out exactly how and where the product would be delivered. She was very honest in saying it could be uncomfortable – but she also took every step to minimise that. The nurse applied a strong numbing cream, and I was given oral pain relief. While it wasn’t exactly relaxing, it was entirely manageable, and over much faster than I expected.

There was no real downtime – I walked out of the clinic with no side effects. I did have some swelling for two to three days, but nothing dramatic or noticeable to anyone else.”

The verdict on this hyaluronic acid treatment

“About four weeks in, I began to notice real improvement. My cheeks felt subtly lifted, and the softness around my jawline looked more defined. It wasn’t dramatic – but it was effective. The change felt like a return to my natural shape, not pulled or dragged. For anyone feeling the early signs of sagging and looking for something with structural impact – but still natural-looking – I’d definitely recommend this hyaluronic acid injection. And if, like me, you’re trying to navigate all the options out there, Dr Ho is a great place to start – she’s calm, clear and focused on real results.”

– Laurian Harry

About the aesthetic doctor at La Clinic

Guided by a less-is-more philosophy, Dr Rachel Ho has spent over a decade treating medical and aesthetic conditions with expertise ranging from laser treatments and injectables to hormone balancing. She also shares skincare tips and beauty insights on her educational blog.

La Clinic
#08-01/02 Paragon Medical Centre Singapore, 290 Orchard Road
6235 4040 | laclinic.com.sg | drrachelho.com/read

For more features on hyaluronic acid injection for hollow cheeks and sagging skin, see our Style & Beauty section.

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