Cheek Filler: Side Effects, Results & More

Author

Dr. Stephen Cosentino

PRESIDENT OF EMPIRE MEDICAL TRAINING

As we age, our cheeks tend to lose volume. Cheekbones lose definition, facial skin begins to sag, and that telltale “tired” look creeps in. 

The good news is that cheek filler injections can counteract this common age-related cosmetic complaint. Over 3 million dermal filler procedures are performed in the U.S. each year, with cheek fillers being one of the most common applications. Results last anywhere from a few months to several years, depending on the type of filler.

If you’re looking to turn back the clock, at least temporarily, cheek fillers could be right for you. Read on to learn how they work and how to decide if you’re a good candidate for cheek fillers.

Cheek Fillers: What Are They?

Cheek fillers are dermal fillers that add volume to the cheek area and restore facial definition. Many facial filler injections that reduce volume loss and signs of aging elsewhere on the face can also be used on the cheeks.

Types of Cheek Fillers

There are several FDA-approved cheek fillers on the market. 

Most contain hyaluronic acid, a naturally occurring substance that temporarily adds volume under the skin and helps stimulate the body’s collagen production. Others contain poly-L-lactic acid, a longer-lasting collagen stimulator.

The top dermal filler brands approved for use in the cheeks include:

• Juvederm® Voluma
• Restylane®
• Sculptra®

Cheek Filler Procedure: What to Expect

A cheek filler procedure is a minimally invasive cosmetic procedure that can be performed in a plastic surgeon’s office or other clinical setting. A single treatment typically takes 30 to 60 minutes, though patients may require multiple treatments to achieve the desired results.

During the procedure, the provider or an assistant prepares the injection site and administers a local anesthetic to reduce pain. The provider then injects a gel-like substance under the patient’s skin per the treatment plan.

The recovery period is quick and usually uncomplicated. Patients should avoid heavy exertion for a day or two afterward but can otherwise resume normal activity.

Benefits of Cheek Fillers

Cheek fillers offer a range of compelling benefits that make them an attractive option for those looking to restore volume and youthfulness to the midface area. Some of the key advantages include:

• Minimally Invasive Procedure: Cheek filler injections are a quick, in-office procedure that typically takes 30-60 minutes to complete. This stands in contrast to more invasive surgical options like cheek implants or fat grafting, which require anesthesia, incisions, and longer recovery times

• Rapid Recovery: Patients can typically resume normal daily activities within a day or two after receiving cheek fillers. There may be some mild swelling, tenderness, or bruising at the injection sites, but these side effects are generally short-lived, resolving within a week.

• No Permanent Alterations: Unlike surgical procedures, cheek fillers are a temporary solution. The results will gradually fade over time, typically lasting 6-24 months depending on the filler used. This allows patients to "try out" a more youthful, contoured look without making permanent changes to their facial anatomy.

• Customizable Results: Experienced providers can precisely control the amount and placement of cheek fillers to achieve the patient's desired aesthetic goals. This allows for a high degree of customization, whether the aim is to subtly enhance cheekbone definition or dramatically restore lost facial volume.

• Reversible if Needed: If a patient is unsatisfied with their cheek filler results, the product can be dissolved using a special enzyme injection. This provides an added level of reassurance and flexibility compared to permanent surgical procedures.

The minimally invasive nature, rapid recovery, and reversibility of cheek fillers make them a popular choice for those seeking a non-surgical solution to restore a more youthful, rejuvenated appearance to the midface area.

Cheek Filler Side Effects and Risks

Like any medical procedure, cheek fillers do have some side effects and risks. Most are mild and temporary, resolving in a few days:

• Mild swelling at the injection site
• Soreness or tenderness at the injection site
• Bleeding or bruising near the injection site

More serious adverse events are rare. They include allergic reaction, sustained bleeding, and blood clots. Working with an experienced provider who has completed advanced Botox® and fillers training helps reduce these risks.

Choosing the right filler is important as well. The FDA warns patients against using unapproved fillers or fillers sold directly to consumers. While “off-label” uses are common for certain FDA-approved products, it’s best to avoid using them in the cheeks.

Cheek Filler Results: How Long They Last

The effects of hyaluronic acid fillers like Juvederm appear within a few days and typically last 6 to 12 months, depending on the patient, dosing, and precise injection location. Follow-up injections are required to maintain results.

Poly-L-lactic acid filler effects last longer than hyaluronic acid fillers — up to two years. But they’re also temporary, and follow-up treatments are necessary to maintain a consistent appearance.

The Importance of Facial Harmony

When considering cosmetic treatments like cheek fillers, it's important to think about the overall balance and harmony of the face. While restoring volume and definition to the cheeks can have a dramatic rejuvenating effect, it's crucial that the results blend seamlessly with the patient's other facial features.

An experienced provider will take a holistic approach, evaluating how the cheek enhancement will interact with and complement the eyes, brows, lips, and other areas. Overfilling or improper placement of cheek fillers can lead to an unnatural, "done" appearance that disrupts the natural contours of the face.

In contrast, skillfully placed cheek fillers can help restore a more youthful, balanced facial aesthetic. By subtly lifting and contouring the cheeks, providers can help create the appearance of higher, more prominent cheekbones. This, in turn, can have a rejuvenating effect on the entire face, complementing and accentuating the patient's other features.

Ultimately, the goal of cheek fillers should be to enhance natural beauty, not dramatically alter one's appearance. With an artistic eye and advanced injection techniques, providers can help patients achieve a refreshed, revitalized look that still maintains their unique facial identity. This approach is key to delivering natural-looking, long-lasting results from cheek filler treatments.