The Dangers of Overfilled Cheeks and How to Fix Them

Why Cheek Fillers May Result to Fake-looking, Pointy Cheekbones

Overfilled cheeks can result in unnaturally pronounced and artificial-looking cheekbones. To correct this, make an appointment with an experienced, board-certified dermatologist or plastic surgeon to have the excess filler carefully massaged and dissolved. 

You got cheek fillers hoping to restore a youthful plumpness to your midface. But instead of the subtle, natural enhancement you wanted, you’re dismayed to see pointy, artificial-looking cheekbones staring back at you in the mirror.

What went wrong? And more importantly, how can you fix it?

While dermal fillers are an extremely popular and effective facial rejuvenation treatment, improper placement and overfilling can lead to an unflattering “fake” look. The good news is there are solutions to resolve pointy, overfilled cheekbones and regain a natural, beautiful shape.

Keep reading to learn why cheek fillers can go wrong, warning signs to watch for, and most importantly, expert tips to restore a naturally gorgeous, balanced look.

Ready to restore natural beauty to your cheeks? Schedule a consultation at Dr. Lanna Aesthetics for expert guidance and rejuvenation

What Causes Overly Pointy, Fake-Looking Cheek Fillers?

When performed by a skilled, experienced injector, cheek fillers should provide a subtle lift that appears seamless and natural. So what leads to pointy, augmented-looking cheekbones? 

Too Much Filler

Overfilling the cheeks is one of the main causes of an artificial look. This can create a puffy, unnatural appearance rather than providing structure and definition. Proper cheek filler placement requires a delicate balance and precision.

Incorrect Placement

Filler placement is just as important as volume. Skillful injectors strategically place filler to accentuate the natural contours of the midface. Incorrect placement and injection technique can distort the look of the cheekbones. The filler needs to be injected in the proper plane to avoid irregularities.

Product Visibility

Some fillers are more likely to be visible under the skin. Product visibility can lead to an uneven appearance rather than blending seamlessly into the surrounding tissue. This occurs more frequently with hyaluronic acid fillers that have a higher concentration of crosslinking.

Limited Injector Experience

The skill and experience of the provider plays a pivotal role in achieving natural filler results. Inexperienced injectors often lack the necessary precision in placement and volume. An artistic eye and advanced technical skill is required to enhance the cheeks in a balanced, nuanced way. 

Signs Your Cheek Fillers Look Fake

While cheek fillers can provide a youthful plumpness, too much can lead to an artificial, exaggerated appearance. Subtlety is key when augmenting the cheeks. Be on the lookout for these signs that your cheek fillers may be overdone:

• Excessive or prolonged swelling and bruising after the procedure indicates too much filler was injected. Ideal cheek enhancement should appear natural, not dramatically altered.
• Pillow face or moon face - a round, exaggerated look to the cheeks means too much volume was added. This distorts the natural contours of the face.
• Deeper nasolabial folds result from filler stretching the skin rather than filling the folds smoothly. The cheeks should blend seamlessly.
• Eyes that appear smaller or sunken in are a consequence of cheeks being inflated too much. This throws off facial proportions.
• Cheeks that protrude forward significantly alter your profile and reflect an unnatural augmentation.
• Loss of natural highlights and contours happens when too much filler flattens the curves of the cheeks rather than accentuating them.
• Facial asymmetry with uneven or imbalanced cheeks signals poor technique and placement.
• Visible nodules or irregularities under skin are caused by excess filler clustered in one area. Even filler distribution is essential.

The goal with cheek fillers should always be a natural enhancement, not an artificial transformation. Keep the amount subtle to avoid an obvious augmented look. When done properly, your cheeks will simply look refreshed and youthfully defined.

Don’t settle for unnatural results—trust Dr. Lanna to correct overfilled cheeks and achieve your desired aesthetic

Non-Surgical Fixes for Pointy, Overfilled Cheeks

The good news is there are effective options to remedy overly filled cheekbones without surgery:

• Massage: Gently massaging filler pockets can help smooth and distribute filler more evenly. Manual massage performed by a professional can break up concentrated areas of filler and reduce pointiness.
• Dissolving Filler: Hyaluronidase injections can dissolve problem areas of hyaluronic acid filler. This helps remove excess filler and restore a more balanced, natural look. Complete filler dissolution may require several hyaluronidase treatment sessions.
• Wait it Out: In some cases, allowing filler to fully integrate over time yields better results. It’s best to wait 2-4 weeks for swelling to subside and filler to stabilize before dissolving or making adjustments.
• Additional Precise Injection: Often a small amount of precisely placed additional filler helps camouflage irregularities and creates a smooth, natural enhancement. Strategic micro-injections can be an effective solution.

Prompt expert treatment helps reverse overly filled cheekbones. Don’t hesitate to contact your injector for follow-up.

Achieving Natural, Beautiful Cheek Filler Results

When performed with proper technique by an experienced injector, dermal fillers can rejuvenate the cheeks for a gorgeous, youthful look. Follow these best practices for natural cheek filler results:

1	Opt for a board-certified plastic surgeon or dermatologist who specializes in facial fillers. Carefully review their qualifications, training, experience, and before-and-after results.
2	Work with your injector to select a filler with properties best suited for your cheeks, such as firmness and thickness.Hyaluronic acid fillers like Restylane Lyft and Juvéderm Voluma are more suitable for the cheeks due to their ability to integrate naturally into facial tissues.
3	It’s better to gradually build volume over multiple sessions rather than overfilling all at once. A conservative approach allows you to preview subtle changes at each appointment before progressing.
4	Communicate your aesthetic goals and expectations so your injector understands the look you wish to achieve. Show photos if needed to convey the desired outcome.
5	Work with your injector to determine the appropriate filler amount and strategic placement to lift and accentuate your natural cheek structure. More filler does not equal better results.
6	Book a follow-up 2-4 weeks after injection to review the results with your provider once filler has fully settled. They can make adjustments if needed.

Proper technique, an expert injector, realistic goals and open communication pave the way for fabulous, natural cheek enhancement.

Frequently Asked Questions About Cheek Fillers

If you’re considering cheek fillers, you likely have plenty of questions. Here, we address some of the most common cheek filler concerns:

Why do my cheek fillers look uneven?

Asymmetry and unevenness occurs when the filler is not distributed properly on both sides. The provider should take care to inject the same amount of filler on each cheek and in matching positions to maintain symmetry. Schedule a follow-up to have additional filler injected as needed on the side that appears deficient.

My cheek filler has migrated. Can this be fixed?

Yes, migrated filler can usually be dissolved and repositioned properly. Let your provider know right away if you notice filler shifting downwards or to other facial areas so they can strategically dissolve it with hyaluronidase.

When will I see the final result from cheek fillers?

It takes time for filler to fully settle. Swelling subsides completely after 10-14 days, at which point the final cheek enhancement becomes visible. Avoid judging the outcome too soon. Your cheeks will look smoother and more seamless as filler integrates over the first 2 weeks post-treatment.

How do I avoid the “pillow face” look from cheek fillers?

This stretched, artificial appearance stems from excessive filler. Work with your injector to determine the precise amount needed to lift your cheeks without overfilling. Focus on modest enhancement and allow your natural facial dimensions to guide ideal filler placement and volume.

Can I fix drooping cheeks with fillers rather than a facelift?

For mild cheek drop, fillers can provide a nice lift. But for significant descent due to facial fat loss and skin laxity, a facelift may be required to tighten and resuspend the deeper cheek tissues. 

Will cheek fillers worsen wrinkles around my mouth?

Overfilling the cheeks can exacerbate wrinkles like nasolabial folds by dragging the skin downwards with added weight. A conservative approach avoids putting undue tension on surrounding areas. 

How long do cheek fillers last?

On average, cheek fillers provide 1-2 years of enhancement before repeating treatment. However, duration varies based on the rate your body metabolizes the filler. Smokers tend to require more frequent touch-ups. Maintain your results by scheduling follow-up injections before filler fully dissipates.

Am I too young for cheek fillers?

There is no ideal age for cheek filler—it depends on your unique situation. If you have early volume loss and sagging due to genetics, filler can provide a lift even in your 20s or 30s. Schedule a consultation to determine if you’ll benefit from early intervention.

What complications are possible with cheek fillers?

While rare, cheek fillers carry potential risks like:

• Infection
• Asymmetry
• Nodules or irregularities
• Swelling
• Bruising
• Skin discoloration

Choose an experienced injector and follow all pre- and post-care instructions to minimize risks. Report any concerns immediately to receive prompt treatment.

A More Beautiful, Confident You Awaits

If pointy, artificial-appearing cheekbones have you hiding your face rather than feeling confident, don’t lose hope. Expert injectors like Dr. Lanna Cheuck offers effective solutions to restore flattering contour and balance.

If you're ready to put your best face forward again, schedule your consultation at Dr. Lanna Aesthetics today. With her artistic eye, advanced techniques, and deep understanding of facial beauty, she can help you achieve your aesthetic goals for a gorgeous, natural-looking you.