Aging causes facial volume loss in several key areas like the cheeks. As we get older, our faces start to lose some of their plumpness and contour. This natural loss of facial fat and collagen leads to sunken cheeks and an overall gaunt appearance.
Dermal fillers provide a safe, effective way to add volume back to the cheeks. When performed by a skilled provider, cheek fillers can restore a more youthful fullness to your midface for natural-looking results.
This guide will cover everything you need to know about using dermal fillers to replenish volume in the cheeks.
The cheeks are one of the first areas of the face to show signs of volume loss, which can start in our 20s and become more noticeable in our 30s and beyond. The cheeks are made up of soft fatty tissue that begins to deteriorate over time. The skin also starts to thin out and sag, contributing to a gaunt, hollow look in the cheek area.
Loss of volume in the cheeks can make us look older, tired, and unhealthy. It leads to the appearance of sunken cheeks, under eye bags and dark circles, jowls, laugh lines, and an overall deflated complexion.
As we get older, our faces lose some of their youthful fullness for various reasons:
Cause | Explanation |
Weight Loss | Losing a significant amount of weight, especially later in life, can make the cheeks appear more hollow. When the face loses its subcutaneous fat, it loses the lift and contour that this fat provides. While many patients are happy about losing weight, they are often bothered by the gauntness or newly visible contours in the face that result. |
Sun Exposure | Years of unprotected sun exposure can break down collagen in the skin. As collagen depletion occurs, cheek volume is lost. Sun exposure is one of the main extrinsic causes of faster cheek volume loss. |
Smoking | Like sun exposure, smoking constricts blood vessels which impedes blood flow and accelerates the degradation of collagen and elastin. Smokers tend to develop hollowed cheeks earlier than non-smokers due to collagen loss. |
Genetics | Some people are just genetically prone to thinner facial features and volume loss in areas like the cheeks. Midface volume loss tends to occur earlier in these individuals as part of the intrinsic aging process. Research shows that genetics accounts for over 70% of the differences between people in face size, nose shape, lip size, and eye spacing. |
Cheek fillers offer an effective aesthetic solution to restore lost volume and fullness to the cheek area. Adding volume back to this area offers a variety of aesthetic benefits:
The most appropriate dermal filler injections for cheek augmentation are typically hyaluronic acid-based fillers, such as Restylane Lyft, Restylane Contour, and Juvederm Voluma. These fillers add volume through cross-linked hyaluronic acid and are commonly used to add volume and soften facial wrinkles and lines in the cheek area. They provide a smooth, natural look and feel. Results typically last 6-12 months.
Additionally, collagen-stimulating fillers like Radiesse and Sculptra may also be used to improve fullness, add shape, and restore an attractive facial contour. Radiesse contains calcium hydroxyapatite microspheres that stimulate collagen production for longer-lasting results.
Sculptra contains poly-L-lactic acid to stimulate collagen production over time for subtle, gradual volumizing.
Radiesse and Voluma are especially popular choices for restoring volume loss in the cheeks. Radiesse is ideal for those primarily concerned with lost volume in the cheekbone area, as it provides immediate volume through the microspheres as well as long-term collagen stimulation for results that can last 1-2 years.
With a variety of dermal filler options now available, your provider can determine which cheek filler is best suited for your particular needs and desired outcome. The goal is beautiful, natural-looking cheek enhancement customized to your facial anatomy.
Cheek filler injections are performed right in the office. Here's a quick rundown of what to expect:
When performed by an experienced cosmetic provider, cheek fillers are a quick, relatively painless procedure. Be sure to follow the aftercare instructions to ensure proper healing.
With expert injection techniques, cheek fillers can look extremely natural. Here are some best practices for seamless cheek enhancement:
Best Practices | Description |
Strategic Placement | The strategic placement of dermal filler is important for achieving natural-looking cheek enhancement. Filler should be focused along the cheek hollows to add volume precisely where it is needed. Overfilling the upper cheeks can create an unnaturally round "chipmunk" appearance, so it is best to avoid that area. |
Appropriate Filler Selection | Selecting the appropriate type of dermal filler is key to natural-looking results. Softer hyaluronic acid (HA) fillers mimic the movement of facial tissues better than dense, stiff fillers that may appear artificial. |
Expert Technique | The injection technique used by an experienced provider makes a significant difference in the final outcome. Using multiple thin threads of filler rather than a single large bolus prevents unnatural lumps or bumps. Injecting the filler across different planes, both deep and superficial, allows for even integration into the tissue and avoids irregularities. An artistic eye for facial aesthetics helps create beautiful, balanced results tailored to the individual. |
Moderate Correction | While some seek an overly filled cheek, moderate correction with dermal filler is often the better approach. Conservative amounts can still produce dramatic improvements in sunken cheek hollows. It is better to start small and slowly build the volume over multiple sessions if needed. This gradual approach helps achieve a natural look, not an artificial overfilled appearance. |
Dr. Lanna Aesthetics, led by Dr. Lanna Cheuck, provides a range of safe, effective, and technologically advanced aesthetic services. These services include dermal fillers, Botox, liquid facelifts, among others.
Dr. Lanna has performed over 10,000 successful aesthetic treatments and is known for her expertise in injectables and facial rejuvenation. Dr. Lanna Aesthetics is committed to helping clients achieve their beauty goals and feel confident in their own skin.
If you are looking to restore a more youthful contour and fullness to your cheeks, contact Dr. Lanna Aesthetics today to schedule your consultation. Our team of experts will help you determine the optimal filler and treatment plan for natural-looking volume that leaves you looking refreshed and radiant.
Cheek fillers typically last 6-18 months depending on the type of filler. Hyaluronic acid fillers may need maintenance every 6-12 months. Longer lasting options like Sculptra or Radiesse can last over a year.
Common temporary side effects of cheek fillers include swelling, bruising, redness and tenderness. These resolve within a week. Rare side effects are lumpiness, asymmetry, prolonged swelling and hyperpigmentation at the injection sites.
Maintain stable weight, follow a healthy diet, stay hydrated and use sunscreen to prolong cheek filler results. Repeat injections around 6-12 months help sustain improvements. Combining cheek fillers with skin tightening also helps maintain effects.
Yes, combining cheek fillers with Botox, laser resurfacing, microneedling or Ultherapy enhances results. A multi-modal approach comprehensively addresses signs of cheek aging for optimal rejuvenation.
The consultation involves assessing candidacy, goals, medical history and expectations. Your provider will examine your facial anatomy and volume loss patterns to create a customized treatment plan.
Join Dr. Lanna & Dr. Doshi for a Transformation Â
Unlock the possibilities with our certified facial and oculofacial plastic surgeries. Attend our free webinar to find out how we can tailor solutions for you, with financing available to fit your budget.