How to Get Hollow Cheeks Naturally Guide
Practical step by step guide on how to get hollow cheeks naturally using mewing, jawline exercises, posture, diet, and facial massage.
Overview
how to get hollow cheeks naturally is a realistic goal for many people when approached with consistent posture work, targeted exercises, and modest lifestyle adjustments. This guide teaches precise mewing techniques, jawline strengthening moves, cheek fat management strategies, lymphatic drainage, and daily posture routines that enhance midface definition. You will learn specific drills, a weekly schedule, and how to validate progress without invasive procedures.
Why this matters: improved cheek hollowness changes perceived age and facial proportions, emphasizing the jawline and creating a more chiseled look. Results depend on bone structure, age, and baseline body fat, but many can achieve noticeable improvement non surgically.
Prerequisites: good dental health or clearance from your dentist if you have TMJ issues, basic mobility in neck and jaw, and willingness to practice daily. Time estimate: initial learning 1 to 2 hours, daily practice 10 to 30 minutes, focused program 8 to 16 weeks for visible change.
Step 1:
how to get hollow cheeks naturally with mewing
Action to take: Establish correct tongue posture - entire tongue resting on the roof of the mouth, tip behind the front teeth but not pressing them, and light suction to maintain contact. Keep lips together and breathe through the nose.
Why: Proper oral posture applies gentle inward and upward forces on the maxilla, improving midface definition over time and supporting cheek hollowing by repositioning soft tissues.
Example drill: three 5 minute blocks per day where you sit upright, close lips, set tongue to the roof of the mouth, and swallow twice without breaking posture.
Expected outcome: Improved resting cheek contour from better soft tissue support and gradual structural adaptation of surrounding tissues after 8 to 12 weeks.
Common issues and fixes:
- Problem: Tongue falls down after a minute. Fix: Set a timer for 1 minute training intervals and increase by 30 seconds every 3 days.
- Problem: Jaw tension. Fix: Relax the lower jaw by slightly lowering the back molars while keeping tongue suction.
- Problem: Mouth breathing. Fix: Do nasal breathing exercises and consult ENT if chronic congestion exists.
Commands and example schedule:
**Daily mewing schedule:**
- Morning: 5 min after brushing teeth
- Midday: 5 min after lunch
- Evening: 5-10 min before bed
Increase blocks by 1 min per week up to 3x10 min.
Time estimate: ~10 minutes
Step 2:
Build jawline strength with resisted chin tucks
Action to take: Perform resisted chin tucks to engage deep neck flexors and the underlying jaw-supporting muscles. Place one hand under your chin and gently press up while resisting with your neck, keeping the head level.
Why: Strengthening neck and anterior jaw muscles pulls soft tissues slightly upward and backward, enhancing cheek hollows by reducing forward sagging.
Routine example: 3 sets of 10 slow resisted tucks, hold each rep for 4 seconds and release for 4 seconds. Do this every other day.
Expected outcome: Firmer submental area, reduced fullness under the cheeks, better jawline definition within 4 to 8 weeks.
Common issues and fixes:
- Problem: Pain in front of neck. Fix: Reduce resistance and focus on small range of motion; stop if sharp pain occurs.
- Problem: Poor form with head tilt. Fix: Use a mirror and keep ears aligned over shoulders.
Simple coached command:
- “Chin in, level head, resist upward for 4 seconds, release slowly.”
Time estimate: ~10 minutes
Step 3:
Jaw and masseter exercises to narrow the lower face
Action to take: Target the masseter and pterygoid muscles to create a defined jawline and indirectly emphasize cheek hollows. Use controlled chewing exercises and isometric jaw holds.
Why: Balanced strengthening of chewing muscles reshapes lower face contours, making cheek hollows more visible by contrast.
Exercise protocol (example code style schedule):
**Week plan:**
- Daily: 2 sets of 50 controlled chew reps on each side using sugarless gum
- Alternate days: 3 sets of 10 isometric holds (clench gently 5 seconds, relax 10 seconds)
- Progress every 2 weeks by adding 10 chews per set or 1 second to holds
Expected outcome: A firmer, narrower lower face and enhanced midface shadowing after 6 to 12 weeks.
Common issues and fixes:
- Problem: TMJ pain or clicking. Fix: Stop high-intensity clenching, consult dentist or physical therapist before resuming.
- Problem: Over-bulking masseters making face look square. Fix: Focus on low-resistance, high-rep chewing and combine with fat reduction strategies in Step 4.
Time estimate: ~10 minutes
Step 4:
Manage midface fat through diet and targeted cardio
Action to take: Implement slight calorie deficit (250 to 500 kcal/day) with high protein intake, and include 3 sessions of moderate cardio per week to reduce subcutaneous facial fat safely.
Why: Cheek fullness is often due to subcutaneous fat. Fat loss combined with structural work uncovers hollows while avoiding unhealthy rapid weight loss that can age the face.
Practical examples:
- Track food with a logging app for 2 weeks to find maintenance calories, then reduce 250 kcal/day.
- Include lean protein at each meal and limit refined carbs and alcohol.
- Cardio: 30 minutes brisk walk, cycling, or HIIT 3 times weekly.
Expected outcome: Gradual reduction of facial fat, complementing exercise and mewing to reveal hollows in 6 to 16 weeks depending on starting body fat.
Common issues and fixes:
- Problem: Loss of facial fullness that looks gaunt. Fix: Aim for modest deficit and preserve protein; stop deficit if you lose more than 1% body weight per week.
- Problem: No facial change despite weight loss. Fix: Combine with facial exercises and ensure consistent mewing posture.
Time estimate: ~10 minutes (planning and logging each day)
Step 5:
Facial massage and lymphatic drainage for localized contouring
Action to take: Apply daily lymphatic drainage strokes and deep cheek massages to reduce fluid retention and reposition soft tissue. Use light to moderate pressure moving from the center of the face outward and down toward the lymph nodes near the ears and clavicle.
Why: Temporary swelling and fluid retention obscure cheek hollows. Manual drainage improves definition and assists fat mobilization when combined with diet and exercise.
Technique example:
1) Sweep from nasolabial fold toward ear,
2) Circular cheek kneading,
3) Downward strokes toward collarbone.
- 5 to 10 minutes daily, preferably after a warm shower or with a warm compress.
Expected outcome: Reduced puffiness and more visible midface hollows within 2 to 4 weeks, often noticeable after the first week.
Common issues and fixes:
- Problem: Bruising from too much pressure. Fix: Use lighter pressure and more frequent gentle sessions.
- Problem: No change. Fix: Increase session time to 10 minutes and combine with hydration and reduced sodium intake.
Time estimate: ~10 minutes
Step 6:
Integrate posture, sleep, and maintenance routines
Action to take: Correct sleeping position, maintain upright daytime posture, and integrate exercises into daily life. Sleep on your back with a medium pillow to avoid face compression.
Why: Chronic forward head posture, side sleeping, and poor pillow support flatten cheek hollows over time by compressing tissues and changing muscle length. Maintenance preserves gains from other steps.
Daily checklist example:
- Set posture reminders on your phone.
- Do a 3 minute posture reset every hour.
- Perform mewing cues upon sitting or standing.
Expected outcome: Sustained cheek definition and prevention of relapse. Small posture changes support long term facial structure improvements within weeks.
Common issues and fixes:
- Problem: Forgetting posture. Fix: Use simple habit cues like after each bathroom break or after vending machine trip to reset posture.
- Problem: Neck soreness from posture correction. Fix: Strengthen neck muscles slowly using Step 2 exercises and take short breaks.
Time estimate: ~10 minutes
Testing and Validation
Use this checklist to verify progress. Take standardized photos once per week: neutral face, head straight, same lighting, same camera distance, and relaxed expression. Measure changes visually at 4, 8, and 12 week marks.
Monitor functional markers: improved nasal breathing, less jaw tension, and the ability to maintain tongue posture for longer intervals.
Checklist:
- Weekly photos with consistent setup.
- Ability to hold mewing posture for 3 consecutive 10 minute blocks.
- Reduced midface puffiness on comparison photos at 4 and 8 weeks.
- Improved jawline palpability and reduced submental fullness.
If no progress after 12 weeks, reassess diet, exercise consistency, and consult a dentist or specialist for structural limitations.
Common Mistakes
- Overemphasizing clenching and high-resistance jaw workouts causes TMJ strain. Avoid intense clenching and prioritize high-rep low-resistance exercises.
- Rapid, large calorie deficits causing gaunt, unhealthy appearance. Use modest deficits and preserve protein.
- Inconsistent mewing and posture practice. Short daily sessions beat irregular long sessions.
- Expecting bone-level changes quickly. Structural adaptations are gradual and depend on age and genetics; combine approaches for best results.
Avoid these by pacing changes, seeking professional input for pain, and using objective photo tracking.
FAQ
Will Mewing Alone Make My Cheeks Hollow?
Mewing improves oral posture and can subtly shift soft tissues and bone loading over time, but alone it rarely creates dramatic hollowness. Combining mewing with fat management, massage, and jaw exercises yields better results.
How Long Until I See Hollow Cheeks?
Visible changes vary widely. Many people notice reduced puffiness within 2 to 4 weeks, with clearer hollowing and contour changes after 8 to 12 weeks of consistent practice.
Can I Overdo Jaw Exercises and Harm Myself?
Yes. Excessive clenching or aggressive exercises can cause TMJ pain, headaches, or muscle overgrowth. Use controlled, low resistance, high rep methods and stop if you feel sharp pain.
Are There Quick Fixes Like Injections or Surgery?
Fillers or fat grafting and surgical options exist for rapid changes, but they carry risks and costs. This guide focuses on natural, reversible methods. Consult a qualified medical professional for procedural options.
Does Face Fat Respond Like Body Fat When Dieting?
Facial fat reduces with overall body fat loss but can be more resistant. Targeted facial exercises and massage improve local appearance but do not bypass whole body fat loss principles.
Should I See a Dentist Before Starting Mewing?
If you have existing TMJ disorder, dental braces, or significant bite issues, consult your dentist or orthodontist before starting extensive oral posture or resistance exercises.
Next Steps
After completing this program for 8 to 12 weeks, continue with a maintenance routine: daily mewing checks, 2 to 3 weekly facial exercise sessions, and ongoing diet moderation. Re-evaluate photos monthly and adjust cardio or caloric intake for further refinement. If progress plateaus, consider a professional assessment to rule out structural constraints or to explore supplemental interventions such as tailored orthodontic guidance.
Further Reading
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