Lower Cheek Filler Explained

Transforming Facial Contours Without the Scalpel

As we age, the structural proteins and fat pads in our faces begin to deteriorate, causing telltale signs of skin laxity, volume loss and the formation of lines and wrinkles. More and more men and women are now seeking aesthetic treatments to combat these effects and maintain a youthful appearance without going under the knife.

Among the most popular non-surgical options available are dermal fillers, which are gel-like substances injected under the skin to replace lost volume and smooth out lines and folds. In particular, lower cheek fillers have been rising sharply in demand as an effective way to counteract sagging cheek skin and hollowness in the mid-facial area. By filling out this region, dermal injections can help reshape facial contours and proportions in a natural-looking way.

This article will explore the role of lower cheek fillers in rejuvenating aging facial structures without invasive procedures.

What Are Dermal Fillers?

Dermal fillers are gel-like substances that are injected beneath the skin to restore lost volume, smooth lines and soften creases, or enhance facial contours. There are several types of dermal filler treatments available, each with varying properties, concentrations, longevity, and degrees of softness. Some of the most common types include:

1. Hyaluronic Acid

Hyaluronic acid fillers are a popular choice. They are made from a naturally occurring substance in the body called hyaluronic acid, which helps to plump up wrinkles, enhance shallow contours, and improve the appearance of scars.

Popular hyaluronic acid-based fillers include:

• JUVÉDERM Ultra®
• JUVÉDERM VOLUMA
• Restylane
• Belotero

2. Calcium Hydroxylapatite (CaHA) Fillers

CaHA fillers such as Radiesse utilize a compound similar to the mineral found in human bones to enhance cheekbones and contour the jawline. They are also effective for filling deeper wrinkles and folds.

3. Poly-L-Lactic Acid Fillers

Poly-L-lactic acid fillers stimulate your body's natural collagen production. This synthetic filler is well-suited to treat deep facial lines and folds, with results lasting up to two years. Popular brands include Sculptra.

Other options include fillers made of polymethylmethacrylate microspheres or polyalkylimide. The right type and amount depends on your individual needs and concerns. It's important to consult an experienced provider to select the most suitable filler.

Facial Anatomy and the Need for Fillers

In our 20s, fullness in the cheeks is supported by underlying bone and fat pads. However, with time these structures weaken.

By the mid-40s, deflated cheekbones and retreating upper jaws cause the upper and mid-face to flatten out. The loss of facial fat pads and volume makes wrinkles more apparent. Skin stretched taut in youth starts to loosen and sag.

Common signs include:

• Deepening nasolabial folds from the nose to mouth corners
• Marionette lines from the mouth extend downward
• Smile lines become engraved
• Facial contours fade as once-sharp angles smooth out.

These changes alter not only our appearance but also our facial expressions. Laughter and smiling now tug downward instead of lifting and contouring the face. Jowls may form as cheek skin sags over the jawline. The mouth area droops.

By restoring lost volume through targeted filler injections, these age-related effects can be counteracted. Dermal fillers help reshape contours to lift, smooth and refine facial structures for a rejuvenated look.

The Specifics of Cheek Fillers

Depending on the desired results, cheek fillers can be placed in different zones.

Upper Cheek Fillers

Upper cheek fillers are injected high up near the cheekbone. This restores height, width and definition to the cheek area for a sculpted look.

Mid-Cheek Fillers

Placing fillers in the mid-cheek fills out the lower orbital region. This targets hollowness under the eyes, reducing the appearance of dark circles or "bags." Mid-cheek injections lift and support the lower eyelid seamlessly.

Lower Cheek Fillers

For adding fullness and roundness along the lower border of the cheek, lower cheek fillers are used. They help balance out facial contours sagging with age. By restoring lost volume in this region, lower cheek injections create a more youthful, lifted appearance to the mid-face area.

The process of cheek filler injection and placement

#	Step	Activity
1	Consultation	Meet with your provider to discuss concerns, goals, and medical history. They'll assess your face for treatment areas.
2	Preparation	Treatment areas will be cleansed with antiseptic. Topical numbing cream or spray applied 30 minutes prior for comfort.
3	Injection Locations	The target location on the cheeks will be marked for volume restoration and contouring.
4	Anesthesia	Additional numbing medication may be given just before injections for enhanced comfort.
5	Injection Technique	Provider uses a thin needle to place filler under skin in marked areas.
6	Placement Layers	Injections administered in superficial and deeper layers for natural lifting and sculpting effects.
7	Sculpting Contours	Multiple injections per area build up cheeks gradually for balanced proportions.
8	Results	Check for swelling or redness immediately after treatment; should subside within hours.
9	Post-Care	Follow after-care instructions, avoid strenuous activities for optimal healing and lasting results.
10	Return Visit	Schedule follow-up if needed for additional touches to achieve treatment goals.

Advantages of Cheek Fillers

Cheek fillers provide notable aesthetic benefits without the need for invasive surgery. Some key advantages include:

Immediate Results

Unlike other rejuvenating procedures, cheek fillers take effect instantly after administration. This allows patients to see quality results right away.

Natural Contouring

When administered artfully, fillers sculpt the cheeks seamlessly for enhanced definition and balanced facial proportions. The effects appear smooth and causally youthful.

Longevity

Popular fillers today can last 6 months up to 2 years with gradual dissolution, inspired by our body's natural processes. Frequent touch-ups are generally not necessary.

Minimal Recovery

Most patients experience little to no downtime. Temporary effects like minor swelling are mild and resolve promptly. Usual activities can often be resumed right after treatment.

Comfort and Convenience

In-office cheek filler procedures take 30-60 minutes with minimal discomfort due to numbing. No general anesthesia or extensive healing periods are required.

Medical Considerations Before Getting Fillers

Before undergoing cheek filler treatment, it is important for patients and their provider to consider several medical factors.

• Medical History: A comprehensive history helps rule out any conditions potentially contraindicated with fillers, like allergies, bleeding disorders or infections.
• Potential Risks: Though rare, risks like allergic reactions and infection are possible. Choosing an experienced provider minimizes these. Less skilled injectors may also unintentionally inject into a blood vessel, leading to blockage and poor blood supply to tissues.
• Skin Condition: Patients with active acne, rashes or poor healing may not be candidates until their skin condition is controlled.

By addressing potential concerns proactively, patients and providers can work together to ensure filler treatments are customized to individual needs, maximize outcomes and carry minimal risks. With proper screening, most patients are excellent candidates.

Procedures Complementary to Cheek Fillers

To achieve fully balanced and rejuvenated facial contours, other targeted treatments can be combined with cheek fillers:

Treatment	Description
Chin Augmentation	Fillers or implants can define the jawline and improve perceived facial proportions when the chin is small or recessed.
Filler for Jowls	Filling sagging skin in the jaw and lower face lifts and smoothens for a continuum of youthful contours.
Profile Balancing	Additional filler placements along other structural zones such as the nose can harmonize the overall facial profile.
Lip Line Treatment	Smoothing nasolabial folds and marionette lines with filler completes the reconstitution of the mid-face region.
Muscle Relaxants	Injections like Botox administered to specific areas relax overactive muscles. This allows fillers to sculpt contours unimpeded and prolong their lifting effects.

Lower Cheek Filler Aftercare

It's important to care for lower cheeks properly after dermal filler injections. Some post-care tips include:

• Apply a cold compress for 10 minutes each hour on the day of treatment to reduce swelling. Avoid ice directly on skin.
• Leave makeup off for at least 6 hours to allow skin to heal initially.
• Refrain from touching or massaging the treated areas for 6 hours.
• After 6 hours, gently wash the skin with a mild cleanser and water.
• Some redness, swelling or tenderness is normal. This will likely resolve within a few days.
• Use ice packets to soothe any discomfort. Arnica products can help if bruising occurs.
  Avoid alcohol and rigorous movement for 6-10 hours to minimize further bruising during recovery.

Renew Your Appearance Without Surgery with Dr. Lanna Aesthetics!

When performed skillfully by a licensed healthcare provider, lower cheek fillers present a very safe and effective option for facial rejuvenation. By restoring volume and definition without surgery, self-confidence and vitality can be elevated.

Non-surgical advancements like fillers continue empowering men and women to maintain youthful appearances on their own terms. No longer does aging imply an inevitable loss of attractiveness and poise.

If you feel lower cheek fillers may help achieve your natural rejuvenation goals, discuss your individual concerns and treatment plan with Dr. Lanna Aesthetics. Contact us today to better understand if fillers are right for your desires and anatomy. 

You may also call us at (929) 565-7539!