How to Do Cheeks Fillers: A Quick Guide for First-Timers

Contoured cheeks are a sign of beauty for most people. They contribute to a youthful appearance that many patients want, so some of them look for procedures that enhance their facial bone structure. But if you’re not ready for plastic surgery like cheekbone augmentation treatment, you might want to consider cheek fillers first.

So what should patients know about cheek filler injections before getting them? Having a deep understanding of how a cheek filler works, which type of filler injections work best, who’s a good candidate for the treatment, what results to expect, what side effects to be aware of, how long they last, and how much they cost allows patients to make informed decisions before getting injectable treatments for their cheeks.

Everything You Need to Know Before Getting Cheek Fillers

Dermal filler procedure is one of the most popular treatments in the country because they help fights signs of aging and reverse facial volume loss even without plastic surgery. According to the 2020 Plastic Surgery Statistics Report by the ASPS, about 3.4 million soft tissue filler treatments were performed in the U.S. alone – including dermal filler treatments for the lips, under the eyes, chin, and cheeks.

As more people realize the importance of cheekbones in balancing the facial structure and enhancing the natural appearance, they’re also becoming more interested in getting cheek filler treatments. While these injectables are generally safe for most patients, it’s still crucial to read up about this procedure to avoid any adverse events.

How Do Cheek Fillers Work?

A cheek filler injection works the same way as other dermal fillers do – it restores lost facial volume in the treated site, resulting in contoured cheeks and reduced marionette lines, wrinkles, and other deeper lines.

When injected under the skin layer, these dermal fillers instantly add volume to the cheek area. The dermal filler material also boosts natural collagen production so patients can still enjoy a youthful appearance even after the body has broken down the filler material in a couple of months.

What many patients love about getting cheek injections is that they’re quick and easy – some patients even dub it as a “lunch break procedure” because the entire treatment only takes less than an hour to complete.

Which Dermal Fillers Work Best for the Cheeks?

Dermal fillers come in different types and formulations – each of them designed for specific treatment sites. But for the cheek area, a hyaluronic acid filler works best because it’s easy to work with and it maintains its shape well.

Juvederm Voluma, Juvederm Ultra, and Restylane Lyft are some of the best types of fillers used by many aesthetic practitioners for restoring cheek volume. They also use it for other cosmetic procedures that require additional volume in the treatment area. These filler injections already contain small amounts of lidocaine, a numbing agent that makes the treatment more comfortable for most patients.

Another reason why many experienced practitioners recommend this type of filler injection is that it can be reversed with hyaluronidase – an enzyme that dissolves hyaluronic acid so the practitioner can redo the procedure if the patient requests so.

Who’s a Good Candidate for Cheek Fillers?

Although dermal filler treatments are safe and effective for most patients, they might not be the best solution for everyone. Injectable fillers for the cheeks are often recommended for patients who:

• Want to enhance their natural appearance without the need for cosmetic surgery
• Want to emphasize their natural cheekbone structure by adding volume to the area
• Suffer from loss of volume due to facial aging
• Have good skin laxity and overall good health
• Are not diagnosed with chronic health conditions that might affect their treatments and results

Cheek fillers are also recommended to be taken with tear trough fillers to balance the facial symmetry and avoid the appearance of overfilled cheeks. If you’re unsure whether you’re a good candidate for this procedure or not, it always helps to consult with an experienced cosmetic practitioner first.

During the initial consultation, your provider lets you know whether you’re a good candidate for cheek fillers. They also tell you about the treatment plan and possible cost of the cheek filler procedure.

What Kind of Results Should You Expect?

The effects of cheek fillers are visible almost immediately after the treatment, but it takes a few weeks to see the final results. It takes a while for the swelling and other mild side effects to subside. And once they do, patients might notice emphasized bone structure and reduced smile lines (also known as nasolabial folds – the facial lines from the sides of the nose down to the corners of the mouth).

Aside from adding volume to the flat or hollow cheeks, dermal fillers also boost the body’s natural collagen production – the important protein that keeps the skin smooth and healthy. With more collagen produced in the treated area, the patient also experiences longer-lasting results even after the filler material is absorbed by the body.

Are There Any Side Effects to Be Aware Of?

Cheek filler treatment is mostly safe, but patients still need to be aware of the mild side effects it can cause so they know how to deal with it. Minor bruising, bleeding, swelling, redness, and pain in the injection site are normal for a few days, but make sure to contact a physician immediately if the symptoms persist.

Cheek filler injections only require minimal recovery time, but make sure to follow every aftercare advice recommended by the doctor. Doing this allows you to achieve the best results while minimizing the risk of serious complications. Instead of taking OTC painkillers, make sure to use an ice pack to alleviate pain and swelling instead.

Hyaluronic acid fillers rarely cause an allergic reaction, but make sure to talk to your provider about any allergies just to be on the safe side. Punctured blood vessels and filler leakage are more serious complications, but their risks can be minimized if the treatment is performed by an experienced practitioner.

How Long Do Cheek Fillers Last?

Cheek filler longevity varies depending on the type of filler chosen by the patient, as well as how they take care of their bodies post-treatment. Dermal filler injections eventually dissolve and metabolize into the skin tissue, but patients are encouraged to get maintenance treatment every few months to maintain the appearance of the full cheeks.

In most cases, hyaluronic acid-based filler injections like Juvederm and Restylane last for 6 to 18 months before needing additional treatments. Other filler types may last longer, but they can’t be dissolved by a counteracting agent like hyaluronic acid fillers can.

Another thing to consider for filler longevity is the patient’s aftercare routine. Patients need to manage their stress and lead a healthier lifestyle so they can maintain a youthful appearance and keep their cheek filler results for longer.

How Much Do Cheek Fillers Cost?

The cost of cheek fillers varies for each patient – depending on different factors like the type and amount of dermal filler injections used, the experienced level of the provider, and the location of the clinic, office, or medical spa. Most patients get this cosmetic treatment at around $600 to $1200 per syringe from an experienced doctor – which might seem like an expensive price tag, but it’s still more accessible than plastic surgery.

It’s also crucial to remember that most health insurance providers don’t cover treatments for aesthetic purposes, meaning patients must shoulder the entire cost out of their pocket. While it’s tempting to get treated by sketchy providers who offer cheek fillers at a lower price, remember that no discount is worth putting the patient’s health at risk.

Achieve Perfectly Rounder Cheeks With Dr. Lanna Aesthetics

Cheek fillers are the best solution to achieving round cheeks that make you appear a few years younger. But like other injectable materials, it’s crucial to get them from an experienced practitioner so they won’t look overdone and unnatural. Patients should also read more about their treatment so they can tell the provider the exact results they want before they start.

At Dr. Lanna Aesthetics, we work hard to help our patients achieve the aesthetic results they want – whether it’s full cheeks, pouty lips, or wrinkle-free faces. Start your research about dermal fillers today and what they can do for you by booking a consultation with us.