Cheekbone Filler: How Is It Done, Who Is It For and How Long Does It Last?
The cheekbone area determines the fullness of the midface and the appearance of the cheeks. With age, weight loss or because of genetic structure, volume in this area may decrease and the face may look more tired. Cheekbone filler is a procedure that aims to support this volume and make the cheekbones look more defined by injecting filler into this area.
What Is It Used For?
- Supporting volume loss in the midface
- Making the cheekbones look more defined
- Making mild differences between the right and left cheeks less noticeable
Adding volume to the cheek area may also help the transition between the under-eye area and the cheek look softer in some people. However, filler cannot correct marked sagging of the skin.
Fillers Used
Fillers containing hyaluronic acid are most often used for cheekbone filler. These fillers are broken down by the body over time and can be dissolved with the enzyme hyaluronidase if necessary. In some cases fillers containing calcium hydroxylapatite or polylactic acid may also be preferred; these fillers cannot be dissolved with an enzyme. The doctor decides at the consultation which filler is suitable.
How Is It Done?
The doctor assesses the face as a whole and plans the injection points. The procedure is usually performed with an anaesthetic cream or local anaesthesia. The filler is placed in small amounts in the cheekbone area with a fine needle or cannula. The aim is a balanced result that preserves the natural proportions of the face; too much filler can make the face look artificial.
Recovery
- In the first days there may be swelling, redness, tenderness and small bruises; these usually decrease within a few days.
- Avoid pressing on or massaging the area.
- Wait for the period recommended by your doctor before intense exercise, saunas and very hot environments.
How Long Does It Last?
How long cheekbone filler lasts varies from person to person. The main factors that affect this are:
- The type of filler used
- The amount injected
- The person's age, tissue structure and metabolism
- Lifestyle factors such as smoking and sun exposure
Who Is It Not Suitable For?
During pregnancy and breastfeeding, if there is an active infection or skin disease at the treatment site, or if there is a history of allergy to the filler, the procedure is postponed or not performed. People taking blood-thinning medicines should not stop them without asking their doctor and should tell the doctor performing the procedure in advance.
Possible Risks
Swelling, bruising and tenderness are usually temporary. Less commonly, infection, irregularity or asymmetry, allergic reaction and blockage of a blood vessel by the filler may occur. If increasing pain, whitening or purplish discolouration of the skin, or any change in vision is noticed, a doctor should be contacted immediately.
How It Differs From a Cheek Implant
For people who want a permanent change, a cheek implant may be considered. An implant is a surgical procedure and requires a different recovery process from filler. For more information you can visit our cheek filler and cheek implant pages.
Author: Op. Dr. Yücel Sarıaltın