Cheek filler: restoring volume and contour

The cheeks do a lot of quiet work for the face. They support the skin underneath the eyes, they give shape to the middle of the face and they catch the light in a way that makes us look fresh and well rested. When they lose a little fullness, the whole face can start to look more tired than we feel.

Cheek filler is one of the most popular dermal filler treatments I offer. Done well, it should look like you have simply had a good night's sleep rather than had something done.

Why the cheeks lose volume

As we get older the fat pads in the mid-face slowly shrink and drift downwards. The bone underneath also changes shape over time. Collagen and elastin in the skin reduce too, so the skin is less springy than it used to be.

The result can be a flatter cheek, a deeper fold running from the nose to the mouth and a slightly hollow look under the eyes. Many people notice these changes in their thirties and forties, though genetics, weight loss and lifestyle all play a part.

What cheek filler does

Most modern fillers are made from hyaluronic acid. This is a sugar-like substance your body already makes to hold moisture in the skin. Placed carefully over the cheekbone or into the mid-face, it can:

• Restore some of the volume that has been lost
• Add gentle lift and definition to the cheekbones
• Soften the look of nose-to-mouth lines by supporting the area from above
• Bring back a little balance between the upper and lower face

The aim is support and shape, not round apple cheeks. A small amount placed in the right spots often gives a more natural result than a larger amount placed in one place.

How much filler is used

At the clinic cheek filler is offered as up to 1ml or up to 2ml. Some people only need a subtle lift on each side. Others with more noticeable volume loss benefit from a little more. We decide this together at your consultation after I have looked at your face from every angle.

What happens at the appointment

We start by talking through what bothers you and what you would like to achieve. I will ask about your medical history to make sure treatment is safe for you. The skin is cleansed thoroughly. Many fillers contain a local anaesthetic to keep you comfortable.

The filler is placed using a fine needle or a cannula depending on the area. The treatment itself usually takes around 30 minutes. You will see a difference straight away though the final result settles over about two weeks.

Side effects and aftercare

Swelling, tenderness and some bruising are common for a few days. The cheeks can feel firm to the touch while the filler settles. More serious complications are rare but they do exist. This is why it matters that your practitioner understands facial anatomy and knows how to manage any problem.

For the first day or two I usually suggest you:

• Avoid touching or pressing on the area
• Skip make-up for the rest of the day
• Avoid hot yoga, saunas and hard exercise for 24 to 48 hours
• Sleep on your back if you can

How long it lasts

Cheek filler often lasts longer than lip filler because there is less movement in this area. For many people results last somewhere between 12 and 18 months. Everyone is different though. Your metabolism, the product used and your lifestyle all have an effect.

If you have noticed your cheeks looking a little flatter or your face looking more tired, I would love to chat it through. Book a free consultation with Lucy in Addlestone and we can talk about whether cheek filler is right for you.