Do Cheek Fillers Make Eye Hollows More Noticeable?

The Complex Connection Between Dermal Fillers and Facial Anatomy

Achieving an enhanced yet natural look using eye fillers requires an in-depth understanding of facial anatomy on the part of both patient and provider. When an eye filler is improperly placed, it can potentially exaggerate issues like under-eye hollowness instead of correcting them.

So how exactly does facial structure impact filler results, and what causes that sunken, sleep-deprived look after cheek injections? Let's analyze the relationship between dermal fillers and facial anatomy.

How Cheek Volume Loss Leads to Hollow Eyes

As we age, the fat pads in the cheeks naturally diminish due to thinning of the overlying soft tissue. This loss of volume in the mid-face area allows the formation of tear troughs, which are the hollows or dark circles beneath the lower eyelids.

Certain individuals may be more prone to this hollowing effect over time based on their underlying bone structure. Those with naturally thinner lower eyelid skin or less substantial cheek fat pads are likely to show signs of tear troughs sooner as their face loses support.

The right facial anatomy is key for dermal filler success in the mid-face. Attempting to plump deflated cheeks with injections can potentially draw more attention to a sunken under-eye area if the structural foundations are lacking.

Proper Filler Placement: The Art of Avoiding Hollow Eyes

While injecting filler into the cheek area may seem like an easy solution for restoring volume, the placement of the filler is critical.

If dermal filler is too superficially placed in the upper cheek, it can sometimes slide down towards the under-eye hollows. Deeper placement under the cheekbone is preferred to provide a lift. However, even this technique takes practice and precision.

Injecting fillers too deep along the cheekbone can further accentuate tear trough hollows if the filler over-augments the cheeks without addressing the under-eye area. The key is balance. An experienced injector will carefully place filler to gently restore cheek volume while also considering the lower eyelids.

When performed properly, cheek fillers can actually minimize dark circles and bags by providing support to lift and smooth the texture of the under-eye region. The filler should not migrate significantly once injected at the appropriate depth.

Which Facial Fillers Work Best for Cheekbones?

Not all eye filler treatments are created equal when it comes to facial rejuvenation. The consistency of the filler gel and its ability to integrate with the skin tissue plays a large role in achieving natural-looking, longer-lasting results.

Hyaluronic Acid: A Top Choice

Hyaluronic acid fillers are a popular choice for restoring lost volume in the cheek area. Products like Juvederm Voluma and Restylane Lyft contain higher concentrations of hyaluronic acid to offer substantial lift. Since these thicker fillers are made to last, they are less likely to migrate from the injection site.

When Thinner Isn't Better

Thinner hyaluronic acid fillers, such as Juvederm Ultra or Restylane Silk, may not provide enough lift for dramatic cheek augmentation. Because the gels are more fluid, they also tend to diffuse into the surrounding tissue more rapidly.

The Best of Both Worlds

For mild cheek hollowness correction combined with under-eye rejuvenation, a qualified injector may strategically use both thicker and thinner fillers based on each area's needs.

What Else Can Cause Sunken Eyes Post-Filler?

Dermal filler placement is not the only factor that can potentially contribute to a hollow under-eye appearance. Elements like bruising, swelling, weight loss, and loss of facial fat can also come into play.

It's normal to experience some bruising and swelling for the first few days following cheek injections. As this dissipates, some patients are surprised to see under-eye hollowness persisting. Keep in mind that temporary post-procedure swelling can accentuate tear troughs before settling.

Loss of facial fat from aging or weight loss is another key culprit. Even if filler augments the cheeks optimally, overall fat loss in the face can still cause under-eye hollows to become more noticeable over time.

The takeaway is that filler results will not fully withstand age-related fat depletion. Some maintenance with additional injections is required.

Fixing Sunken Eyes After Cheek Fillers

If your eyes look more hollow after getting cheek fillers, don't worry! There are ways to fix this. Remember, everyone's face is different, so talk to an experienced cosmetic doctor about the best options for you.

Solutions:

• Dissolving the filler: If you have hyaluronic acid fillers, injections of a substance called hyaluronidase can dissolve some of it. This allows your doctor to reshape the area for a better, more natural look.
• Adding filler to the under-eye area: Carefully injecting a lighter filler (like Belotero or Restylane Silk) directly under your eyes can help restore lost volume. This is a delicate procedure, so choose your injector wisely!
• Surgery (in some cases): Some people choose a procedure called lower blepharoplasty after getting fillers. This removes excess fat and tightens loose muscle. However, it won't change the placement of the filler itself.
• Realistic Expectations are Key: How much cheek fillers can help depends on your face shape, bone structure, and how much natural volume you've lost. Be careful not to overdo it or try to hide deeper volume issues with too much filler.

Picking the Right Focus for Each Patient

Education about dermal fillers should be tailored based on one's familiarity with cosmetic procedures. This helps set appropriate expectations.

For filler first-timers, information about facial anatomy, how fillers are administered, and side effects like temporary swelling and bruising would be most beneficial. This group also needs to understand that fat loss impacts results.

Those who have previously had fillers likely want to focus on correction. Discussing filler adjustments, adding volume to the tear troughs, and the role of surgical procedures would suit this audience.

Future filler patients should learn about choosing an injector, communicating goals effectively during consultations, and how their unique facial structures impact options. Prevention is ideal.

With meticulous technique, a robust understanding of facial anatomy, and effective patient communication by a skilled injector, dermal filler procedures can expertly restore youthful contours without exaggerating under-eye hollowness.