How is Cheek Filler Procedure Done, Know its Benefits, Side Effects and Recovery?

Cheek fillers, also known as dermal filler are the injections which are given to raise the volume of the area above and around the cheekbones. As the volume is injected under the skin layer, the cheek fillers also help smoothen out the wrinkles along with raising the volume of the area above the cheekbones.

There are several kinds of materials used in cheek fillers such as hyaluronic acid (Juvederm, Restylane) and polylactic acid (Sculptra). These are temporary dermal fillers and are the types of dermal filers recommended for the cheek and under-eye area.

Depending on the type of filler chosen, the cheek fillers can last up to 6 months to 2 years.⁽²⁾ The fillers eventually dissolve and metabolize in the skin tissue.

Those who want to go ahead with the cheek fillers may have three primary concerns:

1. Loss of Volume Due To Aging: Due to the loss of healthy youthful contours, the cheeks might seem deflated or under projected. Cheek fillers help restore the shape of the face.
2. Pronounced Nasolabial Fold: Nasolabial folds are the lines that extend from nose to the mouth. Due to aging as the volume and firmness are lost there is drooping of nasolabial folds.
3. Cosmetic Enhancement: Some choose cheek fillers just to enhance their look.

• 2 weeks prior to the cheek filler procedure the person going for cheek filler is advised to avoid taking blood-thinning medicines.
• During the cheek filler procedure, the person is advised to lie in a reclined position in a sterilized environment. Topical anesthesia is given at the site of injection. In some cases, a numbing agent is mixed in the filler itself.
• The process of the injection lasts for only 20 minutes.
• After the injection, some results are immediately visible. The full effects are visible in a day or two.
• After the cheek filler procedure is done the individual can immediately return to work or other appointments.

• The first few days after the injection, it is advised to avoid sleeping on the cheek.
• Strenuous exercise also should be avoided until the filler has completely taken its shape or 48 hours after the injection.
• Face should not be touched and should be kept clean and dry as much as possible to avoid the risk of injection.

Cheek fillers have various benefits as listed below:

• It can be performed in the plastic surgeon’s office and requires very little or no anesthesia.
• The recovery is quick and the person can resume work afterward.
• Cheek fillers can last for months and years. But they are not permanent and if one changes the mind, you are not stuck with the result.
• There is a very low chance of any serious complication.
• More filler can be injected if someone is not satisfied with the result. Cheek fillers can be modified.
• It is a less expensive procedure than plastic surgery to define the cheeks.

Cheek filler is a low-risk procedure but carries a risk of a few side effects.⁽¹⁾

Common side effects of cheek filler procedure include:

• Swelling
• Bruising
• Itching
• Redness

Any type of dermal filler carries a risk of an allergic reaction. The less common side effect includes:

• Filler leakage
• Vision loss
• Injury to veins or arteries
• Tissue death due to blocked circulation

Cheek fillers also carry a risk of injecting material that might travel to other parts of the face and lead to asymmetrical appearance. Such cases should be brought to the doctor’s notice so that they can take necessary action. Mostly the doctors inject another material to dissolve the filler or simply wait for the material to metabolize on its own.

Cheek fillers should be performed by a trained and licensed cosmetic surgeon. The chances of side effects increase if the procedure is done by an unlicensed provider.

Those who want to go ahead with the procedure should get the knowledge about the benefits and side effects and the results.