Cheek fillers are non-invasive cosmetic procedures that use hyaluronic acid-based fillers to restore volume and definition to the cheeks, which helps to lift and rejuvenate the mid-face area while addressing concerns such as sunken or flat cheeks.
By adding subtle fullness and contour, cheek fillers can effectively create a more youthful and balanced facial appearance without having to go under the knife.
What are cheek fillers?
Cheek fillers are non-invasive cosmetic procedures that use hyaluronic acid-based fillers to restore volume and definition to the cheeks, which helps to lift and rejuvenate the mid-face area while addressing concerns such as sunken or flat cheeks. By adding subtle fullness and contour, cheek fillers can effectively create a more youthful and balanced facial appearance without having to go under the knife.
Why are cheek fillers required?
Cheek fillers are helpful for people who want to add volume and youthfulness to their face. As we get older, our face loses volume in different places. Some people notice that the fat in their cheeks decreases, making them look older and tired. Also, losing fullness in the middle of the face can make it look more square.
Fillers in the mid-cheek area can replace this lost volume effectively, making the face look younger and more feminine. Sometimes, the area next to the bridge of the nose can also look sunken because of volume loss. This is called the medial cheek area. Fillers in this area, often done with under-eye fillers, can naturally fill it up and make the face look younger.
Our cheekbones, or the lateral cheeks, give our face a lifted and youthful appearance. If there's a loss of volume around this area, the face can look droopy and older. Cheek fillers can also be used around the lateral cheekbone area to make it plumper and give the face an overall more lifted look.
What are the benefits of cheek fillers?
Cheek fillers offer several benefits to those who undergo the treatment. The hyaluronic acid in the fillers makes it a convenient and fast option for those who want to reverse the signs of ageing. Aside from adding volume and shape, it also minimises the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines and gives the illusion of having a more defined bone structure.
The treatment usually has almost zero downtime and is quick to perform that many clients can go back to their regular activities immediately after. Another advantage of HA-based cheek fillers is that it can be modified and reversed if you are not satisfied with the result. Lastly, cheek fillers are less expensive compared to invasive cheek enhancements or implants that require undergoing the knife with surgery.
In summary: Fuller cheeks, replenishing of facial volume loss, and a more youthful look. In addition, for clients with deep smile lines, cheek fillers help lift up the cheeks and slightly reduce smile lines as well.
Generally, fillers last for 12 months. Different type of fillers are meant for different areas of the face and have different longevity due to the filler material.
The effects of cheek fillers are not permanent. Depending on the type of fillers used, HA fillers can last up to 1.5 years and Ellanse can last between 2 to 3 years.
To maintain firm and youthful cheeks, a touch-up injection is recommended every 6 months.
There are instances where fillers last longer than expected. In such cases, a hyalase dissolver is injected to break down the hyaluronic acid chains. As hyaluronic acid is sensitive to hyalase, the fillers will usually be dissolved within 24 hours, if not immediately.
However, in most cases, fillers are fully broken down and absorbed naturally by our body.
Most filler injections are typically not painful when numbing cream is applied. However, certain areas like the lips can be more sensitive and may cause more discomfort.
Additionally, the expertise and technique of the doctor also play a role in determining the level of discomfort. An experienced and gentle doctor can significantly reduce discomfort during the procedure.
Common post-treatment side effects include bruising and swelling, which occur when blood vessels beneath the skin are irritated during the injection. Typically, bruising and swelling will subside within 4-7 days.
Although extremely rare, another side effect of filler injections is vascular occlusion, where bloodstream or arteries are blocked when the filler is injected incorrectly. This may lead to necrosis (skin death) and even blindness when left untreated.
There is also a misconception that only nose or eye fillers can cause blindness, but fillers injected anywhere on the face can pose this risk. Blindness occurs when filler material blocks blood flow to the optic nerve in the eye. The proximity of blood vessels supplying the eye to the nose makes nose fillers particularly risky.
Understanding facial blood vessels is therefore crucial to minimizing these risks, emphasizing the importance of seeking treatment from experienced doctors. Over 90% of filler complications occur in unauthorized facilities like illegal salons or beauty parlors, highlighting the importance of receiving treatment from qualified professionals.
Avoid strenuous exercise and alcohol for at least 24 hours. Avoid any facial massage for at least 2 weeks.
There is almost no downtime when undergoing fillers. After the procedure, clients can go back to most of their daily activities except for the strenuous ones. During the recovery period, a proper sleeping position must be observed especially in the first few days. Sleeping facing up is. Avoid touching, massaging, or pricking around the injection area to avoid complications or infections.