What are Cheek Volume Fillers?

Cheek fillers are injectable substances used to add volume to the mid-face, particularly the cheekbone area. As we age, the natural fat pads in the cheeks diminish, and the production of collagen and elastin proteins that keep the skin firm also declines. This loss of volume contributes to sagging skin, deep nasolabial folds (smile lines), and an overall flattened appearance of the cheeks.

The most commonly used cheek fillers are based on hyaluronic acid (HA), a naturally occurring substance in the body that retains moisture and supports skin structure. Popular HA fillers used for cheek augmentation include Juvederm Voluma and Restylane Lyft, both known for their lifting and contouring effects. Other types of fillers include calcium hydroxylapatite (Radiesse) and poly-L-lactic acid (Sculptra), which stimulate collagen production for longer-lasting results.

Cheek volume fillers have revolutionized the world of aesthetic enhancements, providing a non-surgical solution to restore youthful contours, enhance facial symmetry, and combat signs of aging. With time, the face naturally loses volume, particularly in the cheek area, resulting in sagging skin and hollowed cheeks. This can make one look tired or older than they feel. Cheek fillers, typically made from hyaluronic acid or other biocompatible substances, are designed to replenish lost volume, lift the mid-face, and provide a youthful, rejuvenated appearance.

How Fillers Work?

Fillers can be placed in different layers of the skin, depending on the desired outcome:

Deep injections: Fillers placed close to the bone can provide structural support, lifting sagging tissues and restoring the natural prominence of the cheekbones.

Superficial injections: Fillers injected into the more superficial layers of the skin are used to smooth out wrinkles, fine lines, and provide additional volume.
The results are immediate, though some patients may experience mild swelling or bruising after the procedure. Depending on the type of filler used, the effects can last anywhere from 6 months to 2 years.

What to Achieve?

At GoldyZ, the goals to achieve after volume fillers include;

Restored Volume: One of the main benefits of cheek fillers is the ability to replace lost volume, giving the cheeks a fuller, more youthful appearance.

Lifting and Contouring: By adding volume to the cheeks, fillers can also lift the mid-face, which can reduce the appearance of sagging skin and improve facial contours.

Natural-Looking Results: When performed by an experienced practitioner, cheek fillers can enhance the natural contours of the face, providing subtle and harmonious results.

Non-Surgical: Unlike surgical procedures like cheek implants or facelifts, cheek fillers are non-invasive and involve little to no downtime.

Immediate Results: Patients typically see noticeable improvements immediately after the treatment, with full results appearing as any swelling subsides.

Reversibility: With hyaluronic acid fillers, the results are reversible. If a patient is unhappy with the outcome, an enzyme called hyaluronidase can dissolve the filler.

Who Needs It?

Age-related volume loss: As we age, we lose fat and collagen, which causes the cheeks to flatten and sag.

Facial asymmetry: Some individuals naturally have flatter or asymmetrical cheeks, which can be enhanced with fillers.

Nasolabial folds: Deep smile lines can be improved by adding volume to the cheeks, lifting the skin and softening the folds.

Desire for enhanced cheekbones: For individuals who desire more prominent cheekbones or a more sculpted appearance, fillers can be used to enhance this area.

Risks / Side Effects

Swelling and bruising: Temporary and usually mild, these side effects typically resolve within a few days.

Asymmetry: In some cases, uneven filler distribution can lead to asymmetrical results, though this can often be corrected with additional treatment.

Infection: Although rare, there is a risk of infection at the injection sites if proper sterilization protocols are not followed.

Lumps or bumps: If the filler is not injected evenly, small lumps or bumps may form, which can usually be massaged out by the practitioner.

Tyndall effect: With superficial injections, a bluish tint may appear under the skin, especially with hyaluronic acid fillers.