Before and After Effects of Injectable Fillers for Cheek Contouring

Achieving Natural-Looking Cheek Volume: Tips and Tricks

Plumper cheeks and wrinkle-free skin are now easier to achieve with nonsurgical facial rejuvenation treatments. Compared to the earlier years of aesthetic medicine, patients can restore their youthful appearance without undergoing surgical cheek augmentation with the help of dermal fillers. But before you go for your first appointment, it’s important to be informed and know what to expect from the cosmetic procedure.

So what should you know about the before-and-after experience for cheek contouring with fillers? Getting a cheek filler injection requires minimal preparation, such as protecting your skin, staying hydrated, and avoiding certain medications before the procedure. The same practices will apply for aftercare to help manage side effects, like minor swelling, bruising, and redness.

Important Cheek Contour Filler Before and After Guidelines You Should Know

Having fuller and rounder cheeks or well-defined facial bone structures are some of the signs of beauty and attractiveness. But as time passes, you experience age-related facial volume loss which can result in sunken, flat cheeks and make you look older than you actually are. Losing cheek volume can also create the appearance of prominent undereye hollows, weaker facial contours, and pronounced nasolabial folds and marionette lines.

If you want to see lesser wrinkles and deep lines and more cheek volume in an instant, dermal fillers are the treatment for you. Injectable cheek fillers are clear, gel-like substances that can help restore natural-looking volume, support cheek structure, and define midface contours.

Most filler products used for cheek enhancement have firm and thick consistencies which can retain cheek shape, provide excellent support for improved contours, and add significant volume to help achieve your desired fullness and aesthetic goals.

Preparing for Cheek Contouring with Dermal Fillers

Cheek contouring with facial fillers is a minimally invasive procedure that only involves a series of injections beneath the skin. Since it’s not surgical, there are no drastic changes that have to be made to your lifestyle or routine before your procedure.

However, providers may offer several pre-filler care and practices that can help you prepare for the cheek augmentation treatment. Here are some of the things you need to remember when getting ready for your cheek contour fillers:

Protect your skin from excessive sun exposure

Sun damage is one of the leading causes of skin aging. It could worsen the signs of wrinkles and facial lines and accelerate collagen loss, resulting in moderate to severe skin laxity and sunken cheeks.

The amount of cheek filler injections may depend on the severity of your contour deficiency and volume deficits. It’s likely that you’ll receive more fillers if you have damaged skin from sun exposure. Additionally, providers may have to postpone your cheek filler procedure if you have sunburned skin.

With that said, it’s important to wear strong sunscreen to protect your cheeks and facial skin from harmful UV rays. You should also limit your sun exposure for at least a week before getting cheek fillers.

Discontinue the use of retinol-based skin care products

If you already have an established skincare routine, you can continue following them until the day of your cheek augmentation procedure. However, you’d need to stop using anti-aging serums, topical creams, and beauty products with retinol-based active ingredients.

Retinols or retinoids may be too strong for your skin which can result in irritation and redness. Your cosmetic provider will ask you to stop using the skincare products with these substances for at least 1 week before your scheduled injections. Aside from retinol, you’d have to stop using products with glycolic acids since they’re also strong in the formulation.

Stop taking certain medications

You’ll also have to avoid certain medications and supplements for about 7 to 10 days before your cheek filler session. During your treatment consultation, your provider will ask about your medical history and you have to be transparent about the current prescription drugs or medication that you’re taking.

If you’re taking blood-thinning medications, you’ll be required to stop them for about 2 weeks prior to the procedure. You’ll also have to limit your intake of non-steroidal anti-inflammatories, such as Advil, Ibuprofen, and Nuprin. Herbal supplements like fish oil, ginkgo biloba, and vitamin E should also be avoided since they could increase the risk of bleeding and bruising during the cosmetic procedure.

Stop drinking alcohol

Cheek filler patients also have to maintain a healthy lifestyle before the injections. This includes avoiding excess alcohol consumption for about 24 to 72 hours prior to the procedure. Alcohol is a vasodilator and allows easier blood flow through the vessels.

It’s risky to take alcohol on the night before your cheek fillers since they could increase your risk for swelling, bleeding, and bruising during and after the cosmetic treatment. Alcoholic beverages may also affect several functions of the skin cells and weaken your immune system which is disadvantageous for the healing and recovery process after the fillers.

Avoid eating salty food

Patients should also limit or completely avoid the consumption of salty food for a few days prior to their cheek filler treatment. Excess sodium intake may cause the body to retain more fluid and increase swelling after the procedure.

For the best injectable fillers experience, it’s ideal to drink plenty of water before your cheek augmentation treatment. You can also eat more green vegetables, like spinach, celery, and kale, which can boost your immunity and support faster healing and recovery after the dermal filler procedure.

What to Expect After Cheek Contour Fillers

One of the advantages of getting dermal fillers for cheek contouring is that it doesn’t require a long downtime. There are also no risks of scarring from incisions or side effects from general anesthesia since you don’t have to be unconscious during the injections. However, a numbing cream may be applied in place of an anesthetic to manage pain and discomfort during the treatment.

The cheek filler procedure itself can be administered within 15 to 30 minutes, depending on how many injections you need to receive. Afterward, you can resume your normal activities or go home immediately without worrying about adverse side effects or treatment reactions.

Common Side Effects of Non-Surgical Cheek Augmentation

Although cheek filler injections aren’t invasive procedures, you may still experience temporary discomfort from the side effects of the injections. Here are some of the possible side effects of cheek contouring with dermal fillers:

• Swelling - After the injections, you may notice minor swelling of the treated site and its surrounding area. This is a common response to the trauma caused by the needle breaking the skin barrier. This side effect should last for only a couple of days and subside on its own.
• Bruising - Another possible reaction to the injections is bruising. When the injection needle punctures the skin, there’s a chance that it could hit a blood vessel and cause blood to pool to the surface and surrounding skin tissue which results in the discolored appearance of the bruise. Most cases of bruising can heal on their own within 5 to 7 days after the injections.
• Redness - Skin redness is another potential side effect of cheek fillers. They can occur as an inflammatory response to the injectable fillers and last for about 24 to 48 hours. In rare cases, they may occur as delayed inflammatory reactions to the procedure and persist for several weeks or months.
• Tenderness - The cheek area may also feel painful or tender to the touch after the injections. This can accompany the appearance of swelling and bruising and last for several days.
• Lumps or bumps - Cheek fillers may also cause the formation of temporary lumps and bumps underneath the skin. Most of the time, this lumpiness is a result of the initial swelling from the injections and will gradually subside as the skin heals.
• Itching - The skin around the treatment area may also feel a little itchy after the procedure. It’s a normal bodily response to the injections and a sign that the skin healing process is underway. In rare events, itching may be a symptom of allergic reaction to the cheek filler product and it would require medical attention or dissolving of the injectable to resolve the complication.

Best Cheek Filler Aftercare Instructions

To get the most out of your cheek filler injections, you have to actively take care of yourself and your skin after the procedure. Here are some of the best aftercare practices that aid in your recovery and ensure that you get optimal cheek contouring results:

• Limit exposure to the sun and other sources of heat, like sauna rooms, jacuzzis, and hot baths.
• Don’t touch, massage, or apply pressure to the cheek area to avoid unwanted results and complications from dermal filler migration.
• Don’t apply makeup or skincare products with harsh chemicals for at least 12 to 24 hours.
• Avoid doing strenuous exercises or physical activities for the first 24 to 48 hours.
• Avoid laying down immediately after your cheek filler procedure and don’t sleep on your side for about 48 hours. This prevents the uneven or asymmetrical distribution of filler in your cheeks. 
• Elevate your head when sleeping to reduce swelling and allow the filler to settle in your cheeks.
• Avoid getting other facial rejuvenation treatments, such as chemical peels, microneedling, and laser resurfacing, for at least 2 weeks after the injections.
• Avoid alcohol consumption for the next 48 hours after the treatment.
• Apply a cold compress or Arnica gel to the treated area to help minimize swelling and bruising.

How Long Will Cheek Fillers Last?

Injectable cheek fillers can last anywhere from 6 months to 2 years. Its longevity can depend on the type of dermal filler used for the cheek augmentation procedure. Other factors, like your metabolism, level of physical activity, and number of treatment sessions, may also affect the lifespan of your cheek fillers. For long-lasting effects, you may require regular touch-ups every 4 to 6 months after your initial treatment to maintain cheek volume and facial shape.

Why Proper Preparation and Post-Cheek Filler Care Are Important

If it’s your first time getting cheek fillers, it’s best that you’re informed of what to expect during and after the procedure. You should also visit your provider for a complimentary consultation to know whether the injectable fillers are the right treatment for you.

Aside from having a facial assessment and evaluation of skin concerns by an expert injector, knowing the preparation and aftercare reminders is a part of the discussion during your initial consultation.

Following pre-cheek filler instructions can help you get ready for a safe and comfortable treatment experience. At the same time, aftercare practices should be observed to manage side effects and prevent serious complications. It also helps ensure the filler settles properly and provides the best possible outcomes.

How to Know If You’re An Ideal Candidate for Cheek Filler Injections

Generally, cheek fillers are a safe injectable treatment, but they may not be the right choice for everyone. Here are some factors that may inhibit you from getting a cheek filler procedure:

• You have a history of scarring, such as keloids or hypertrophic scars
• You’re diagnosed with a bleeding disorder
• You have a history of anaphylaxis 
• You have severe allergies or hypersensitivities to the dermal filler material
• You have an active infection, inflammation, or open wound in the treatment area
• You’re allergic to lidocaine which is present in most hyaluronic acid fillers

Best Types of Cheek Fillers For Contouring

Cheek contouring requires the use of thicker, firmer dermal fillers which could hold shape and provide stronger cheekbone definition and projection. Some of the best injectable fillers for midface contouring are:

Hyaluronic acid gel filler injections	Calcium hydroxylapatite (CaHa) fillers	Poly-l-lactic acid (PLLA) fillers
Juvederm Voluma XC Juvederm Ultra Plus Restylane Lyft Restylane Contour Filler with XpresHAn Technology Restylane Defyne	Radiesse	Sculptra

Restore A Youthful Appearance With Cheek Contour Filler Injections at Dr. Lanna Aesthetics

Injectable fillers are a popular choice for the correction of midface contour and loss of volume. It requires minimal preparation and the overall experience is less painful and relatively safer than cosmetic surgery. But as with any procedure, proper aftercare plays an important role in ensuring that you recover smoothly and achieve your desired enhancements.

At Dr. Lanna Aesthetics, we have a team of experienced injectors and aesthetic practitioners who can guide you throughout your cheek filler experience. We can tailor a dermal filler treatment plan that addresses your specific concerns and cosmetic goals. Contact us now to book your complimentary consultation or learn more about our dermal filler injections.