Cheek filler is an increasingly popular procedure that, according to expert aesthetic doctors, is incredibly versatile. Not only can filler injected into the cheek area restore volume (giving cheeks a fuller look), but it can also be used to soften marionette lines, enhance cheekbones and achieve facial symmetry.
Essentially, it can deliver different results on different faces – depending on the patient’s specific goals. How, I hear you ask? It all comes down to placement (as well as the amount used). “The placement of cheek filler can significantly affect the results,” says Dr Ifeoma Ejikeme, aesthetic doctor and founder of award-winning Adonia Medical Clinic. For instance, injecting filler along the cheekbone will have a very different result to placing it in the mid-cheek area.
To decide on the best area for placement, it’s so important to go to a reputable practitioner who can properly and carefully assess the face. “If cheek filler is incorrectly placed, or an area is overfilled, it can cause heaviness to the mid-face as well as puffiness,” flags Dr Brendan Khong, aesthetic doctor at Dr David Jack clinic.
Radiance-boosting results with none of the telltale side effects? We had to investigate.
It goes without saying, that cheek filler is not for everyone – and the decision to have this aesthetic treatment should not be made lightly. To learn more about cheek filler and why it may, or may not be, right for you – we asked aesthetic doctors to break down everything you need to know. Read on to find out how it works, what to expect from the procedure and if there’s any down time.
What is cheek filler?
Cheek filler involves the placement of facial fillers in the cheek area. “This could be along the cheekbone itself, or in the submalar areas (under the cheekbone) – which is where we often lose volume as we age,” says Dr Sophie Shotter, award-winning aesthetic doctor and founder of Illuminate Clinic. “They can also be used to increase volume in certain parts of the cheek where people genetically have less volume,” she continues.
According to Dr Khong, most aesthetic doctors will work with hyaluronic acid-based filler in this area because they are “reversible and adjustable.” Dr Shotter agrees and adds that we do need to consider safety in certain parts of the cheek when choosing product. “Because the area towards the centre of the face is usually higher risk, using a hyaluronic acid filler is a good idea as it can be dissolved, should this be needed,” she says.
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What type of filler is best for the cheek area?
There are various dermal filler brands out there that offer slightly different products. And as Dr Khong already mentioned, most practitioners will use a hyaluronic acid-based product. “Hyaluronic acid is a substance that the body naturally produces and an essential component of the skin,” says Dr Rita Bonanno, medical specialist at HAIR&SKIN clinic, “this makes it very safe and the first choice among most treatments.”
Another choice is biostimulatory fillers. “Biostimulators consist of a substance designed to stimulate collagen production - the result is not immediate, it’s over a period of months where the new collagen is produced,” explains Dr Shotter. While hyaluronic acid-based fillers deliver immediate results, they are eventually absorbed into the body. Meanwhile, the collagen created by biostimulatory injections remains (meaning it cannot be dissolved or reversed).
“I will use different filler types in different parts and different layers of the cheek,” notes Dr Shotter, who favours Juvederm Voluma, Volift and HArmonyCa (a hybrid injectable combining HA and a biostimulator). “These are the ones which give effective but natural results in the cheek. They are strongly evidence based products, and Juvederm in particular has a huge wealth of scientific evidence."
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What can cheek filler do?
The cheek is the foundation of the entire face and thus, when it is injected with filler – this will have an impact on many other areas of the face. “It can indirectly improve the appearance of under-eye hollows by restoring volume to the mid-face,” says Dr Ejikeme. As although dark circles can be caused by thin skin and pigmentation, they can also occur when the eye area becomes sunken due to loss of fat in the cheeks.
“It can also soften the appearance of nasolabial folds and marionette lines (otherwise known as smile lines),” she continues. To do this, the filler must be strategically placed in the mid-cheek area. Other benefits include improving facial harmony, reducing heaviness in the lower face and softening vertical lines that can sometimes occur on the side of cheeks. “Injecting filler along the cheekbone can also create a lifting effect by enhancing definition and providing support to the mid-face,” adds Dr Ejikeme.
To emphasise, placement really is key when it comes to cheek filler. “In the face we have a line of ligaments which runs roughly from the corner of the eye downwards. If we inject behind this line, then we can create a lifting effect. In front of this line, we create projection,” explains Dr Shotter. “This is why it’s so important to have an expert assessment of your face and treat the area of the cheek which you personally need – no two faces are the same.”
The 10-minute alternative to surgery.
What can cheek filler not do?
“Cheek filler may not effectively address skin texture issues, fine lines or wrinkles unrelated to volume loss. It also cannot correct severe sagging or laxity in the lower face and neck, which may require surgical interventions like a facelift,” flags Dr Ejikeme.
Who is a suitable candidate for cheek filler?
This non-surgical tweakment is suitable for individuals who want to enhance their cheekbones, add volume to sunken cheeks, improve facial contours, or address signs of aging such as sagging skin and loss of volume in the cheek area. It’s not suitable, however, for patients who already have a good amount of volume in the cheeks – “as it can result in an unnatural look,” says Dr Khong.
What does the procedure involve?
“The cheek filler procedure involves a consultation with a qualified practitioner to discuss goals, assess suitability, and plan the treatment. During the procedure, the practitioner will cleanse the skin, apply numbing cream if necessary, and use a fine needle or cannula to inject the filler into specific areas of the cheeks. The process typically takes about 30 minutes, and results are visible immediately,” explains Dr Ejikeme.
The difference between a cannula and a needle? Not for needle-phobes, “needles involve multiple tiny injections into different areas of the cheek,” says Dr Shotter. “Whereas, a cannula involves a single small needle prick, followed by the use of a cannula to place the product through the whole area beneath the surface.” Both can give impressive results in the right hands.
How can you prepare for a cheek filler treatment?
“Preferably avoid alcohol the night beforehand, and attend with no makeup on. Afterwards - no makeup for at least six hours, no strenuous exercise/saunas/sunbathing on the day of treatment, avoid alcohol that night, no facials for two weeks, and don’t touch your face unless instructed to do so,” advises Dr Shotter.
How long will cheek filler last?
“Results from cheek filler can last anywhere from nine to 12 months, depending on the type of filler used and the patient as well,” says Dr Khong. An individual’s metabolism and lifestyle factors, such as sun exposure, smoking and alcohol intake can all have an impact. For instance, those with a high metabolism will need more frequent touch-ups.
Are there any risks or downsides to cheek filler?
Like any cosmetic procedure, cheek filler carries potential risks and side effects, including temporary swelling, bruising, redness, and discomfort at the injection site. “In rare cases, more serious complications such as infection, allergic reaction, or vascular occlusion (a blood vessel blockage) may occur,” warns Dr Ejikeme. “If vascular occlusion occurs, hyaluronidase (an enzyme which breaks down HA) has to be used to dissolve the filler,” adds Dr Khong.
Having treatment with a reputable medical practitioner using a good quality product will minimise these risks. “There is also the risk of being under or over treated, which is why again choosing a practitioner who you trust to deliver the right result for you is so important,” seconds Dr Shotter.
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How can you find a good practitioner?
The experts all agree that it's so important to do your research when searching for an injector. “Look at their experience,” says Dr Shotter, “and not just the number of years they've been injecting for, but how many treatments they do, qualifications - are they medically trained and registered with a regulatory body?”
Also consider the premises and make sure they're safe and clinical in nature. Check that they have insurance - are they appropriately insured if you have a problem with your treatment? Finally, find out what product they use - make sure it's safe and from a reputable brand.
How much does a cheek filler procedure cost?
Cost will vary depending on where you go, how many syringes are used and the experience level of your practitioner. At Dr David Jack clinic, dermal fillers cost from £490 per syringe.
With Dr Shotter, cheek filler starts from £650 depending on the quantity of product needed. “Cheaper is not better - you’re paying for quality product, safe and regulated clinic environment, and experience of the injector,” adds Dr Shotter.
