Cheek fillers are injectable treatments designed to restore cheek volume, enhance facial contours, and create a youthful appearance.
Their popularity in the UK has surged recently as more people seek minimally invasive cosmetic procedures that offer maximal impact.
If you’re considering cheek filler treatments, this page aims to provide you with all the information you’ll need to make an informed decision.
Cheek filler treatment can be a good option for you if you’re looking to restore cheek volume, enhance facial contours, and achieve a more youthful appearance. It’s a minimally invasive procedure that uses hyaluronic acid, which is naturally found in the skin and is well-tolerated by the body. The treatment offers immediate results and can stimulate collagen production for long-term benefits. But, it’s important to consult with a qualified practitioner to determine if you’re a suitable candidate and to discuss your aesthetic goals and medical history, as this may affect your eligibility.
The Science Behind Cheek Fillers
Cheek fillers are a brilliant fusion of art and science, and it’s important to understand how they work at a cellular level.
When we administer hyaluronic acid, a primary component in many fillers, it acts like a sponge by absorbing water. This causes an immediate plumping effect in the skin, making your cheeks appear fuller and more youthful.
What’s equally fascinating is that hyaluronic acid naturally occurs in our skin, so it’s very well-tolerated by the body.
Moreover, over time, fillers like Poly-L-lactic acid can stimulate your skin to produce more collagen—the protein responsible for skin elasticity. This results in not just immediate gratification but also long-term benefits for facial volume. Because of this, fillers offer a dual benefit: an immediate aesthetic uplift and a gradual improvement in skin texture and elasticity, making them a popular treatment and smart investment in your beauty regime.
In a clinical study, 90% of subjects treated with a volumizing HA filler for midface volume deficit maintained improvement for 2 years after treatment.
Types of Cheek Fillers
When it comes to cheek fillers, you have several options, each with its own set of advantages and disadvantages.
- Hyaluronic Acid Filler(HA): This dermal filler is the go-to for most people and is excellent for first-timers. It’s reversible and offers immediate results and minimal recovery time. Think of HA filler as the soft, natural look that enhances your existing features. This dermal filler is especially popular for those looking to smooth deeper lines and wrinkles in the treatment area.
- Calcium Hydroxyapatite (CaHA): Calcium hydroxyapatite is a mineral-like compound found in bones Because of its composition, it’s heavier than HA and is well-suited for those seeking a more sculpted appearance. It mimics the look of your cheekbones and is a good option if you desire a more dramatic effect.
- Poly-L-lactic Acid: This is more of a long-term commitment. The filler itself dissolves over time, but it stimulates collagen production, making your skin naturally fuller.
Your aesthetic goals and medical history will play a significant role in determining the type of filler that’s right for you.
Determining Candidacy for Cheek Fillers
Not everyone is a suitable candidate for cheek filler treatment.
Your unique facial structure, skin condition, and medical history are essential factors in determining whether cheek fillers are appropriate. Ideal candidates are generally those experiencing volume loss due to ageing or weight loss, or those who wish to enhance their facial contours.
While they are generally safe, cheek fillers may not be suitable for individuals with certain skin conditions, autoimmune diseases, or those who are pregnant.
In summary:
| Factor | Ideal Candidates | Not Suitable For |
|---|---|---|
| Age | Generally 21 and above | Under 18s |
| Skin Condition | Healthy skin | Active skin conditions like acne |
| Medical History | No major issues | Autoimmune diseases |
| Pregnancy | Not Pregnant | Pregnant or breastfeeding women |
Consultation and Choosing the Right Practitioner
The consultation is fundamental to any successful cheek filler treatment. During this meeting, your practitioner will assess your facial anatomy, discuss your aesthetic goals, and propose a tailored treatment plan.
When choosing a practitioner, look for qualifications and a portfolio of before-and-after pictures. Don’t hesitate to ask about their experience with cheek fillers and the types of filler materials they recommend.
At Livara Aesthetics, we’ll thoroughly review your medical history and discuss your desired outcomes. This allows us to tailor the treatment to you, ensuring both safety and satisfaction.
Pre-Procedure Preparations
Once you’ve chosen your practitioner, the next step is to prepare for the procedure.
Most preparations are straightforward: avoid blood thinners and certain supplements to minimise the risk of bruising. Some practitioners also recommend preparatory skin care routines that may include moisturising treatments or mild peels. The objective is to prepare the skin for the injectable treatments, ensuring optimal results.
Step-by-Step Procedure Overview
Understanding what happens during the cheek filler procedure can help reduce any anxiety you might have. Here’s how the procedure will typically unfold:
- Preparation: Your skin will be cleaned to prevent any infection. A numbing agent is then applied to make the process as comfortable as possible.
- Injection: Using a very fine needle or cannula, the filler is carefully injected into specific points on your cheek area, such as on and around your cheekbones. This is where the practitioner’s anatomical knowledge comes in; knowing exactly where to place the filler is crucial for a natural look.
- Massaging: The practitioner may gently massage the treated areas to evenly distribute the filler, ensuring a smooth, natural result.
- Post-Procedure: After the treatment, you might experience some swelling or redness. This is generally short-lived and resolves on its own.
- Follow-Up: Depending on the type of dermal cheek filler used and your specific needs, a follow-up appointment might be scheduled to assess the results and decide if additional filler and injection sites is needed.
Immediate Aftercare and Recovery
After the procedure, you’ll be given specific aftercare instructions.
Common side effects like redness, swelling, or minor bruising usually subside within 24-48 hours. It’s essential to avoid strenuous activities and sun exposure for at least the first day post-procedure. Applying a cold compress can also help reduce swelling after cheek augmentation.
Your practitioner may schedule a follow-up appointment to assess the results and decide if any adjustments are needed.
Long-Term Care and Maintenance
Maintaining the results of your cheek dermal filler treatment involves a combination of good skincare and periodic touch-up treatments.
Touch-up treatments are usually recommended every 6-12 months, depending on the type of filler used and individual factors like skin tissue quality and lifestyle. For a contoured appearance and sculpted cheekbones, regular consultations with your aesthetic practitioner are key to adapting your treatment goals over time.
Sunken cheeks can also benefit from a balanced diet rich in antioxidants and hydration, as well as a solid skincare regimen featuring sun protection and moisturisation.
Potential Risks and Side Effects
While cheek dermal fillers are generally safe, especially when administered by qualified medical practitioners, they are not without risk of complications.
The risk of infection, although minimal, exists whenever the skin barrier is breached. Common side effects include swelling, redness, and minor bruising.
More severe complications, although rare, can include asymmetrical appearance, skin discoloration, and even blood vessel blockage.
It’s imperative to follow all pre- and post-procedure care instructions to mitigate these risks.
Combining Cheek Fillers with Other Treatments
For those looking to achieve a more comprehensive facial rejuvenation, cheek fillers can be effectively combined with other treatments such as Botox for smile lines or nasolabial folds, and lip fillers for a fuller, more youthful appearance.
Treatments like addressing marionette lines, and treatments like microneedling and laser resurfacing can also complement the effects of cheek fillers, enhancing skin texture and tone.
It’s important to consult with your practitioner about your overall aesthetic goals so that a holistic treatment plan based on your natural beauty can be tailored to you.
