Cheek fillers are a non-surgical restorative cosmetic procedure that boosts the loss of volume and facial fat in the face by injecting fillers which create a more contoured look for the cheeks and jawline. The procedure is non-invasive and offers a speedy recovery time.
WHY FILL THE CHEEKS?
As we age our face changes in many different ways. Loss of volume in our cheeks is one of them. The volume we have in our face is from our skull and facial fat. As we age, our skull changes and we experience a loss of fat in the face. People choose cheek fillers to reverse this type of aging and replace lost volume in the cheeks. Loss of volume also attributes to some facial wrinkles and cheek fillers can help undo this aging.
WHAT KIND OF RESULTS CAN YOU GET FROM CHEEK FILLER?
- Thinner longer facial appearance
- A more feminine look
- Improved cheekbones and jawline
- Added volume to the cheeks
- The appearance of less facial wrinkles
TYPES OF CHEEK FILLERS:
Hyaluronic acid (HA) fillers are made out of a molecule naturally found in our skin and are the perfect filler for first-time patients. The beautiful advantage of HA fillers is that they’re the only type of filler that is reversible by an enzyme known as hyaluronidase which can undo the filler almost instantly.
Hyaluronic acid fillers:
- Juvederm XC
- Juvederm Voluma XC
- Restylane
- Restylane Silk
Calcium Hydroxyapatite has great lifting capacity when injected deep into the bone and has FDA approval for hand rejuvenation.
Calcium Hydroxyapatite filler:
- Radiesse
Poly L-lactic acid filler is a bio-stimulatory agent, meaning that it adds volume by stimulating collagen growth that works gradually over a course of a series of treatments and works to repair underlying skin structure over time for a more natural-looking progression of a correction.
Poly L-lactic acid filler:
- Sculptra
HOW LONG DOES IT LAST?
Scuptra typically lasts for two or more years. Volume can provide lingering improvement for up to two years after injection. Each patient is different, but for many Scuptra lasts the longest, followed by Voluma, Restylane, and Radiesse.
An important thing to keep in mind is that cheek filler does not have to be a one time event. You may need multiple syringes to replace lost volume and you do not have to do them all at once. You can start with a specific amount and gradually add more over several visits; this allows for a more natural appearing correction.
IS IT PAINFUL? IS THERE ANY DOWNTIME?
All of the injectable products we currently use have a lidocaine mixed in them to assist with any pain associated with the injection.
Dermal fillers are in in office procedure and you can resume most activities right away. However, it is recommended that you avoid major physical activity for the first 24-48 hours following the procedure to minimize swelling and bruising.
Recovery time varies for each patient and for each type of filler. Immediately following the procedure you may experience some or none of the following conditions:
- An “overfilled” appearance to treated areas
- Swelling or bruising ranging from mild to severe
- Temporary numbness or redness
- Palpable lumps or hard areas at the injection site
- Hypersensitivity reaction that can seem like an allergic reaction with hives and swelling
Most conditions can be alleviated with icing and mild massage and improvement will start to show within hours or days. However, if you are going to a special event, it is recommended to have the procedure done at least three to four weeks prior to the event to ensure that all bruising and swelling has gone away.