What You Need to Know About Cheek Filler Pain After Treatment

Dermal fillers have become an increasingly popular option for patients looking to enhance their facial contours and rejuvenate their faces. This rise can be attributed to a number of factors, including their minimally invasive nature. Cheek filler, in particular, is a cosmetic treatment that typically uses hyaluronic acid to restore lost volume in the midface area. Side effects are minor and transient.

So is it normal to feel pain after cheek filler? Yes, it is completely normal to experience some degree of discomfort after any dermal filler procedure due to the trauma brought about by the needle or cannula. The soreness, swelling, bruising, or what have you, is your body’s natural healing response and should subside over time. We recommend following the post-treatment advice of your doctor.

Is It Common to Feel Sore After Having a Cheek Facial Filler?

On rare occasions, the cheek and cheekbone facial region may feel momentary pain – in the form of soreness, swelling, and sometimes bruising – after undergoing a filler procedure. This is because the filler process disturbs the skin, causing minor trauma to the injection area, and the body trying to defend itself.

There might also be some level of discomfort during the injection process itself as the doctor injects a needle (or cannula) into your cheek, causing a pinching or burning sensation. The filler ingredient may also irritate surrounding soft tissues which lead to after pain.

People have varying pain thresholds – some more sensitive than others. The degree of cheek soreness also differs significantly from patient to patient, but as a general rule, it should be moderate pain that subsides after a few days. Don’t touch the injected cheek region as massaging it can make the filler move around and result in an asymmetrical look. You could place some cooling gel to help dispel cheek pain.

Prolonged after-effects of cheek filler procedures may be symptomatic of further complications such as vascular occlusion, a lump, or an allergic reaction, among others. That’s why it is crucial to find an experienced cheek filler provider. You need someone who can give you reliable results and performs the proper cheek injection techniques that minimize risk. Otherwise, the results of the filler injection may be disastrous and painful.

After Pain of a Cheek Augmentation Procedure

The after pain of a cheek filler treatment subsides gradually, typically, within 24 to 72 hours after the filler injection. Resist the temptation to touch the treated cheek. Your practitioner may also take different steps to keep pain, soreness, and swelling to an absolute minimum. You should see the final results about 4 weeks after the filler procedure, but you can always do touch-up cheek filler sessions to achieve your aesthetic goals.

Don’t forget to follow the aftercare advice for dermal fillers. Avoid aspirin, ibuprofen, alcohol, exercise, and so forth. If you’re concerned about anything after your cheek filler procedure, make sure you have open communication with your medical practitioner, so that they can advise you as soon as possible.

1. Jaw Pain After Cheek Filler

You might feel some lumpiness along your jawline after having a cheek filler injection – may that be Juvederm Voluma, Restylane Lyft, or any other hyaluronic acid filler. This is brought about by minor needle trauma or perhaps the needle hitting periosteum of a bone of a nearby nerve branch. The pain may be exacerbated by pressure or any further movement.

2. Tooth Pain After Cheek Filler

After a cheek or chin filler procedure, you may experience sensitivity in your teeth. This is normal and will naturally resolve itself within a few days or weeks. You can also use over-the-counter pain medicine like Tylenol, as well as a warm compress. Although if you’re feeling extreme pain, it’s best that you call either your dentist or doctor right away.

3. Sore Cheek Muscles After Cheek Filler

Expect soreness in the area as your body adjusts to the newly injected filler and recovers from the process. If anything, it should be little-to-moderate soreness. Your cheeks will also most likely be a bit swollen for a while. Your doctor can also prevent bruising by using a cannula when performing the cheek injection.

Safety Precautions and Aftercare Advice for Cheek Filler Treatments

Cheek filler injections are generally considered safe cosmetic treatments. However, there are still risks associated with the procedure. Your filler might take a turn for the worse if, for one, you don’t choose a health professional with a cheek filler specialization; and two, you do not take safety measures to maximize results.

For mild to moderate pain relief after cheek filler injections – including the chin and lip area – you may take pain relief medication (e.g., Paracetamol, Tylenol) as prescribed by your doctor. Some patients also opt to take over-the-counter treatments, vascular laser, and Bromelain to prevent bruising.

To reduce the amount of cheek swelling, apply a cool compress regularly and use arnica. We also suggest taking an antihistamine (e.g., Zyrtex, Claritic) in the morning and Benadryl before you go to bed. It is of utmost importance that you closely follow all the post-treatment care instructions provided by your doctor. There are some tips to keep in mind:

• Touch the cheek region only if the pain and tenderness have subsided.
• Schedule consultations with your doctor to review the results of your dermal filler. The first aesthetic review session should be done 4 weeks after the procedure – not earlier than that because there will often be some swelling on the cheek.
• If you’re unhappy with your results, you can either ask for maintenance filler injections or have your filler be dissolved by hyaluronidase.
• Avoid intense heat in the treated areas. This means not going sunbathing, waxing, tanning, and the like. 
• Don’t partake in any strenuous exercise until the filler has been completely settled in your cheek. 
• Refrain from using facial products that contain lactic or glycolic acid for at least 24 hours after getting injected with cheek filler. Religiously follow a skincare routine.

Side Effects of Cheek Fillers

All of the dermal filler treatments at Dr. Lanna Aesthetics are FDA-approved. Each one is a natural volumizer that helps your skin retain moisture and structure. Keep in mind that each patient is a unique case. Everyone reacts differently to filler injections, so it is essential to understand the potential risks.

As mentioned, the most common filler side effects are redness, soreness, swelling, discomfort, and bruising. All of which usually ease as each day passes and should not worsen. There may also be slight bleeding at the injection site. However, these are some major complications that you should watch out for if ever you’re having an adverse reaction to the filler are:

• Allergies: If you’re noticing asymmetric fullness on your face, this may be indicative of an allergic reaction either from the ingredients from the filler or the liquid gel. The filler can be dissolved by hyaluronidase and antihistamines.
• Nodules: Your medical provider should be concerned about red, painful, or tender nodules. These could be symptoms of an infection. They will most likely provide empiric oral antibiotics and ask you to come back for a check-up within the next few days.
• Vascular compromise: This is an extremely rare complication. The risk of vascular compromise can be minimized by a medically trained professional who knows the proper filler techniques, injection site markings, and the best choice of filler. 

The Ideal Candidate for Cheek Fillers

Cheek filler is a highly individualized treatment. Its suitability is assessed on a case-by-case basis. Ultimately, you should be in good health before getting any type of dermal filler because this would reduce the risk of complications (e.g., infections, allergic reactions) and significant after pain. Being in good health also means better results. Your skin would better conform to the cheek filler, resulting in a more natural look that lasts for a long time.

It’s important to consult with a qualified and trusted dermatologist to determine if dermal fillers – specifically, cheek filler – are a good option for your aesthetic goals, skin type, and individual needs. That said, these are some other general characteristics of an ideal candidate for cheek fillers:

• Age: The amount and type of filler depend on the patient’s age. Younger patients typically need smaller amounts of filler to achieve their desired results, whereas older patients may need more to restore volume and to enhance the midface region.
• Patient expectations: Patients seeking cheek filler treatment should have realistic expectations and a clear vision of what they want their faces to look like. Cheek fillers can only enhance the contours of the face, not completely alter the facial structure.
• Cheek anatomy and skin type: Skin thickness varies among facial areas, so the doctor should know the proper injection points for cheek filler. This procedure also works best on patients with good skin elasticity and minimal sagging. Thin or delicate skin is more prone to bruising and swelling, and results may be more pronounced.
• Preoperative screening: The patient should be screened for any health issues (e.g., clotting disorders, seizures, family medical history) that could affect filler application.

Dr. Lanna Aesthetics: The Best Place to Get Cheek Fillers

It’s a rather common experience for patients to feel some pain or discomfort after getting a cheek filler procedure. This may be in the form of jawline pain, toothache, and sore cheek muscles, among others. To manage dermal filler after pain, follow the aftercare advice of your doctor such as avoiding strenuous activities, intense heat, and blood thinners.

At Dr. Lanna Aesthetics, we have performed numerous successful aesthetic treatments, including low-risk cheek filler injections. Our board-certified dermatologists can help you achieve your beauty expectations, without the need for plastic surgery. We also use the proper filler injection tools and techniques to minimize pain, swelling, and bruising. Schedule a cheek filler consultation with us today.