You were chasing plump, youthful cheeks when you got those hyaluronic acid fillers injected into your face. But now, you cringe at the sight of your filled-out face in photos and can't recognize yourself in the mirror anymore. Those chipmunk cheeks have got to go.
Take heart - removing those cheek fillers is possible! In this article, we'll walk through everything you need to know about dissolving away filler regrets - from what to expect during the removal process and aftercare to approximate costs.
Bid farewell to that puffy-cheeked stranger and say hello to a more familiar visage.
The most common cheek fillers today are made from a naturally occurring sugar molecule called hyaluronic acid. The great benefit of these fillers is that they can be gradually dissolved and absorbed by the body when injected with an enzyme called hyaluronidase.
Hyaluronidase breaks down the filler into water and glycolic acid so it dissipates over time. Unlike other types of permanent or semi-permanent fillers, hyaluronic acid fillers can be dissolved and removed completely with minimal side effects.
Some of the most popular brands of hyaluronic acid-based fillers for the cheeks include:
Product | Indications |
Juvederm Voluma | Cheek augmentation, mid-face shaping, correction of age-related volume loss in the cheeks |
Juvederm Ultra Plus | Cheek augmentation, correction of moderate to severe facial wrinkles and folds, lip augmentation |
Juvederm Ultra XC | Cheek augmentation, correction of moderate to severe facial wrinkles and folds around nose and mouth, lip augmentation |
Restylane | Mid-face volumizing, cheek augmentation, correction of nasolabial folds |
Restylane Lyft | Cheek augmentation, correction of moderate to severe facial wrinkles and folds, lip augmentation |
Restylane-L | Lip augmentation and wrinkle correction around mouth |
The process for dissolving cheek fillers is relatively quick and straightforward when performed by an experienced cosmetic provider:
Potential side effects from the removal process are usually mild and temporary. They include swelling, bruising, redness, and sometimes a feeling of lumpiness in the cheeks as the filler breaks down. Infection is also a low risk with any injection.
There are a few key precautions you can take to make the removal process as safe and comfortable as possible:
Recovery after cheek filler removal is relatively quick:
Timepoint | Expected Recovery |
Immediately after treatment | Redness, swelling, tenderness or bruising at injection sites |
Day 1 | Swelling may peak |
Days 2-3 | Swelling should start improving, bruising may appear more noticeable |
Days 4-7 | Bruising and swelling continue to subside, lumpiness or unevenness should start improving |
1-2 weeks | Most swelling, bruising and tenderness resolved, mild lumpiness may remain |
2-4 weeks | Filler fully dissolved and absorbed, area should look and feel smooth |
Some of the self-care tips that you can follow include:
The overall cost of cheek filler removal can vary considerably based on several factors:
Factor | Description |
Amount of filler originally injected | The more filler present, the longer and more complicated the removal process may be. |
Experience and technique of the provider | Highly skilled injectors charge more but may achieve better results with fewer sessions. |
Type of filler used | Some fillers naturally dissolve faster than others when injected with hyaluronidase. |
Number of treatment sessions needed | It’s hard to predict exactly how many will be required for complete removal. |
Geographic location and clinic fees | Prices are usually higher in major metro areas and premium clinics. |
While dermal fillers offer the most dramatic plumping and sculpting effects on the cheeks, some more subtle options can provide milder improvements without injections.
Using topical products with hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid and retinol may temporarily firm and plump the skin's surface.
Procedures like microneedling, chemical peels, and laser resurfacing can stimulate collagen and improve tone and elasticity over time.
Regular facial exercises that work the cheek muscles, like sucking in or inflating the cheeks, may temporarily lift and tone sagging areas.
However, these non-injectable alternatives typically don't match the youthful volume replacement and reduction of deep wrinkles possible with dermal fillers. Those interested in recontouring their cheeks should discuss all their options with a cosmetic provider.
Choosing the right specialist is crucial for safe and successful filler removal. Do your research to find an experienced, reputable provider you can trust, such as:
Check credentials like board certification, medical licenses, and specialty training. Confirm the provider is a licensed physician, preferably a plastic surgeon or dermatologist who specializes in facial procedures.
Look for proven expertise specifically in filler injections and removals. Ask how many filler procedures they have performed and their complication rate. Preferably they should have years of specialized experience.
Read reviews and ask for referrals to find a specialist praised for their artistry, care, and results. Ask to see before and after photos of their work.
Inquire about their precise technique and process for assessments, injections, and post-procedure care. Each face is unique.
Ask about safety protocols to prevent infection, bruising, or other side effects. What precautions do they take? Do they use cannulas instead of needles?
Discuss risks, potential complications, and their plan for addressing issues if they arise. Choose a specialist who is transparent about risks and has experience managing rare complications.
Vetting specialists thoroughly upfront is the best way to avoid complications from poorly placed fillers. Take time to carefully select an experienced, reputable provider you can trust for natural looking results.
Led by Dr. Lanna Cheuck, Dr. Lanna Aesthetics provides advanced filler treatments, injectables, laser therapy, and other facial rejuvenation services. With over 10,000 successful procedures completed, Dr. Lanna is renowned for her expertise in liquid facelifts, fillers, Botox, and treatments for natural-looking enhancement.
Dr. Lanna and her talented team are committed to helping each patient look and feel their best. To learn more or schedule a personalized consultation, visit doctorlanna.com today.
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