Cheek Fillers Causing Identical Bumps? Get the Facts Now

Discover what causes a ball mass on both sides and the expert-backed way to lump-free cheek fillers.

Have questions about potential cheek filler side effects? At Dr. Lanna Aesthetics, we use specialized techniques to avoid problems and sculpt cheek contours you’ll love to show off. 

Get the answers you need on what causes common issues like so-called “ball masses” that form on each side of your cheekbones, how to remedy them, and our best practices for safe, beautiful cheek filler results.

What Causes Hard, Ball-Like Lumps After Cheek Filler Treatment?

Hard, ball-like lumps after cheek filler treatment are commonly caused by improper injection technique, overfilling the area, inflammatory reactions like swelling or bruising, or delayed allergic responses to the filler material.

Common Causes in the First 1-2 Weeks

According to our experience at Dr. Lanna Aesthetics, the most common causes of cheek lumps in the first 1-2 weeks after injection are:

• The filler gel or blood getting trapped under the skin after injection. Gentle facial massage often helps smooth out this initial lumpiness over time as the area recovers.
• Bruising from the injection turning into a hardened hematoma lump if the trapped blood isn't reabsorbed quickly. Proper injection technique minimizes bruising.
• Swelling of the tissues from the trauma of the injection. Light lymphatic drainage massage can help reduce swelling.
• These types of lumps arising shortly after the procedure often resolve on their own within 1-2 weeks as the area heals.

Improper Injection Technique

• Injecting filler too superficially into the upper skin layers rather than deeper in the mid-dermis or subcutaneous fat. Our experienced injectors aim deeper to lower risks.
• Using sharp needles that pierce blood vessels rather than blunt-tip microcannulas that glide smoothly between tissues. Cannulas reduce trauma.
• Overcorrecting or injecting more filler than needed too quickly. Our providers build volume gradually over multiple sessions when more projection is desired.
• Using dense, thick fillers like Radiesse that are prone to clumping versus smooth hyaluronic acid fillers that integrate seamlessly like Juvederm.

Inflammatory Reactions

Additionally, inflammatory responses to the filler can cause lumps:

• Delayed allergic reaction forming granuloma lumps weeks later may need steroid injections or hyaluronidase.
• Very rarely, vascular occlusion can produce lumps if not promptly treated. Our expert injectors are trained to prevent this.

See firsthand the difference Dr. Lanna's expertise makes for gorgeous, smooth cheek results. Book now!

How to Dissolve Cheek Filler Lumps?

To dissolve cheek filler lumps, consult the injector first about massage, steroids, or hyaluronidase injections, which break down hyaluronic acid fillers over 24-48 hours allowing the body to reabsorb the degraded material and eliminate lumps.

Initial Consultation

• First, consult with the injector who performed the original procedure to have them assess the situation.
• They may try facial massage, manual extrusion techniques, or injecting steroids to reduce inflammation before dissolving filler.
• This initial evaluation is critical for determining the best course of action tailored to your specific case.

Dissolving Hyaluronic Acid Fillers

• For lumps caused by HA fillers like Juvederm or Restylane, we can inject an enzyme called hyaluronidase to break down the material.
• A skin test may be done first to check for allergies or sensitivities before dissolving.
• Hyaluronidase works by cleaving the bonds between the HA molecules, degrading the filler network so it can be absorbed and eliminated.
• Multiple treatments are often required depending on the amount and type of filler originally used. Dense, highly crosslinked fillers resist dissolving.
• Full effects occur gradually over 24-48 hours as the degraded filler diffuses out of the tissue.

Aftercare and Retreatment

• After successful lump smoothing, replacement filler can be injected once the swelling fully resolves.
• For non-HA fillers, different dissolving agents may be required. Our expert injectors stay current on the latest treatments.

We take active steps to prevent the recurrence of any irregularities. In short, consult us first before attempting to dissolve cheek lumps yourself. We will create a customized plan to smoothly and safely correct any issues.

What to Do if Cheek Fillers are Uneven?

If you notice asymmetry or uneven results after cheek filler injections, don't worry - there are solutions available. Based on our extensive experience at Dr. Lanna Aesthetics, here are the steps we recommend:

• First, schedule a follow-up appointment with your injector to have them evaluate the area. They will determine if additional touch-up filler is needed on the under-filled side to match the other cheek. More volume may be required to achieve the desired contour.
• If significant correction is needed, hyaluronidase enzyme can be injected into the over-filled side to dissolve some of the excess filler and reduce volume. This helps even out the cheeks.
  The effects occur gradually over 24-48 hours as the material is broken down and absorbed.
• Proper aftercare like avoiding makeup, sun exposure, and strenuous activity during the first 48 hours can help minimize swelling and support the healing process for optimal, symmetrical results. Follow any instructions from your provider.

How To Prevent Complications From Cheek Fillers

At Dr. Lanna Aesthetics, we take every precaution to avoid complications and ensure optimal results from cheek filler injections. Here are some of the ways we work to prevent problems, based on our extensive expertise:

• Careful patient selection - we assess for good health, no active infections or skin conditions, and caution in immunocompromised patients.
• Utilizing proper sterile technique, skin prep, and blunt tip cannulas to minimize swelling, bruising, and risk of infection.
• Injecting slowly and gently, in small amounts, only using the minimal filler needed to achieve the desired result. This prevents lumpiness and poor outcomes.
• Thorough knowledge of facial anatomy to avoid injecting into blood vessels or nerves and causing injury. We specialize in facial aesthetics.
• Staying in the proper facial planes and not overfilling the cheeks avoids complications like nodules and asymmetry.
• Educating patients on proper aftercare like icing, head elevation, avoiding certain medications and activities that increase swelling and bruising risk.
• Carefully monitoring for any signs of impending complications and intervening promptly. Early intervention leads to better outcomes.
• Open communication so patients feel comfortable reporting any concerns or irregularities after treatment.
• Ongoing training and education to stay up-to-date on the latest techniques and ways to enhance cheek filler safety.

By combining careful technique, specialized knowledge, and diligent care, our expert injectors are committed to providing the safest and most effective cheek augmentation results possible.

Rediscover what it’s like to have first-rate cheekbone contours. Talk to us now!