Nina Anniston

Author
Nina Anniston

A Cheeky Rendezvous With Cheek Fillers

  Jan 17, 2024
Reviewed by Dr Saket Srivastava

No matter what part of the world one might be in, they’re usually all up-to-date with the trends. And one of the trends that have experienced a steep incline over the past few decades is body modification, surgical body modification to be specific. For the past two decades at least, fillers of all sorts, be it for smile lines or a chiseled nose, have been all the rage among the masses. 

A before and after comparison of a woman who got cheek fillers

Getting cosmetic surgery has become as normal as buying new make-up, high-end but all the more expensive. However, not getting cheeky any further will lose the relevance of this content piece. This is why the core focus of this article is solely going to be based on cheekbone fillers.

What Are Cheek Fillers?

A cheek filler is a non-surgical injectable filler that injects soft tissues into the cheeks in order to provide a more defined and pronounced look to the face. Usually, for these dermal fillers, doctors use hyaluronic acid-based fillers that are FDA approved. These fillers are reversible and can easily be adjusted on the basis of the quantity of the filler required for each person.

Before and after depiction of getting cheek fillers in skin layers

Who Should Get Cheek Fillers and Who Must Avoid Getting Fillers for Their Cheeks?

An expected candidate for getting cheek fillers can be someone undergoing signs of aging and hence, experiencing loss of volume in the cheek area. It is also ideal if the person is physically healthy, maintains weight, and is a non-smoker.

However, if you’re a part of this list, please consider avoiding getting a cheek filler.

  • If you’re pregnant or breastfeeding 
  • If you sustain allergies to synthetic substances found in some dermal fillers
  • If you suffer from a bleeding disorder such as hemophilia or thalassemia
  • If you’re undergoing autoimmune conditions
  • You shouldn’t consider getting cheek fillers if you go through certain infections like an abscessed tooth, ear, nose, or throat infection, or stomach flu.
  • Especially if you’re going through certain skin diseases.
  • If you’re suffering from tuberculosis.

Once you’re sure that you’re eligible to get cheek fillers, you’re one step closer. But hold on; you’re yet to discover the positives and negatives of the procedure. 

What are the Pros and Cons of Getting Cheekbone Fillers?

It is absolutely essential to configure both sides of the coin to make a well-informed decision and foresee whether cheekbone fillers are a good option for you or not.

The PROs

  • Instant results
  • Inexpensive
  • Considerably lesser complications
  • The results are temporary, allowing corrections for the next ti
  • Less time-consuming procedure 
  • Speedy recovery with little to no downtime required afterward
  • They can easily be modified after insertion – after the procedure, you can decide if you’d like more filler to be added to the injection site until you’ve achieved your desired result

The CONs

  • Bleeding
  • Bruising
  • Bumps that resemble acne 
  • Itchiness
  • Redness
  • Numbness
  • Swelling and tenderness
Depiction of overfilled syndrome when the cheek fillers are over-filled

Some serious complications that may arise with cheek fillers

  • Leakage of the filler
  • Allergic reaction to the filler
  • Severe swelling
  • Skin damage or scars
  • Infections
  • Skin discoloration

In rare cases

  • If not done carefully, it can cause injuries to arteries or veins.
  • Death of the tissues in the cheek area.
  • Vision deterioration or complete loss.

The Various Types of Dermal Fillers Available

You can achieve different types of results in your appearance on the basis of the varied types of dermal fillers chosen by your provider. However, the filler is getting injected into ‘your’ skin. So, it would be a smart decision to get yourself well-versed with the vast array of cheekbone fillers available, for instance, smile lines fillers. Following this, here’s a list of these fillers compiled for your discretion:

  • Hyaluronic acid (HA): As a naturally occurring substance in your skin, it easily becomes the most preferred option by the providers. With age, your skin loses the amount of HA, resulting in wrinkles and loss of voluminous plump skin. HA injections are also used by providers to keep your skin hydrated. Results from HA fillers usually last about one year. To sum it up, HA injections are the most idyllic type of fillers available.
Diagram of skin layers where Hyaluronic acid (HA) will be injected
  • Calcium hydroxylapatite (CaHA): As a naturally occurring substance in your bones, CaHA easily becomes an alternative for using natural substances as fillers. CaHA injections add fullness to your cheekbones and smoothen the deeper lines and wrinkles caused due to aging. Results from CaHA fillers usually last about 15 months. 
Identification of the ideal layer to get the Calcium hydroxylapatite (CaHA) filler 
  • Poly-L-lactic acid (PLLA): A synthetic substance that fosters your body’s process of making its own collagen. The PLLA is mainly used by providers to fill up deep wrinkles and lines on your cheeks. Results from PLLA fillers usually last two years or more. 
Before and After results of getting Poly-L-lactic acid (PLLA) Filler Injections
  • Polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA): The PMMA injectables are tiny collagen beads that help in making your cheeks look firmer and fuller. PMMA is often used by providers to bring structure to your cheeks. Results from PMMA can last for years, but these may need to be injected more than once. 
Graphic depiction of how Polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) is injected

Things to Know Before Getting Cheek Fillers

Before taking this life-altering decision, you must be prepared with all the information you can possibly get. To ensure that this process is a smooth sail for your filler journey, here’s a list of things to keep in mind,

  • The utmost important thing to denote is that the results of your filler injections will differ from the type of filler you’re injected with.
  • You don’t have to look like “you’ve had work done” on your face.
  • The procedure and healing time are much quicker than expected.
  • The fillers can last up to 2 years without getting touch-ups.

After you’re equipped with the know-how to get cheek fillers, you have to decipher how they would actually look on you. The best way to do that is by going through transition images of people who have got the cheek fillers done before.

Cheekbone Filler Before and After

It is rudimentary actually to see the before and after the transition of getting cheek fillers. It is highly recommended that you either try a cheek filler simulator or try to edit your images using editing apps to get a rough idea of how the cheek fillers may look on you. 

Before you venture on these apps to see how the results might look on you, here are a few before and after sample photographs of how cheek filler transitions actually look like.

Before and After the transition of a lady who got cheek fillers
Before and After the transition of a lady who got cheek fillers

What Things to Consider while Choosing Your Surgeon?

It is absolutely essential to find a licensed professional to get your surgery done. Relying on inexperienced professionals or discounted services may cause more harm than good by alleviating the risks of infections or other side effects. 

In order to find a licensed cosmetic surgeon in your area, you can start by searching the American Society of Plastic Surgeons’ website database.

It is recommended to go through the testimonials of your chosen cosmetic surgeon until you’re satisfied. Check their ratings, and talk to their previous patients about their experience before making a well-informed decision.

What is the Procedure for Getting Cheekbone Fillers?

The most rudimentary step is getting yourself knowledgeable about all things cheek fillers! And Congratulations! You now possess the basic know-how of getting cheekbone fillers. 

Now the important part is to find a trustworthy professional surgeon and book a consultation with them about your requirements and access the suitable options for you. 

After your consultation with the trained provider is done successfully and things like pricing, cost, and your desired results have been discussed, you’ll schedule an appointment for a filler injection.

Prep Before the Procedure 

Prior to the surgery, you have to ensure that you avoid blood-thinning medications, such as aspirin.

It is essential to let your cosmetic surgeon know during the consultation meeting itself if you’re on prescription blood thinners. This information will help them guide you properly to prepare for the pre-procedure phase. 

Steps Partaking in the Procedure 

The whole procedure will not exceed more than 25 to 30 mins. It is a simple and straightforward procedure that begins with you reclining in a sterilized environment. After that, your doctor will either apply a topical anesthetic to the injection site, or the numbing agent will already be mixed into the filler itself. 

You’ll be able to see little results immediately after getting the injection. The filler will take about a day or two to settle into position on your face, and then you’ll be able to see the filler results.

Post your procedure, you can easily get back to your daily routine and take care of tasks like driving, returning to work, or managing other priorities. 

Post-Surgery Recovery

It is necessary for you to avoid sleeping on your cheeks during the first few days of getting a filler injection. Try to sleep in an upright position where you’re facing up, and lying down flat on your back.

Strenuous exercises must also be avoided until the filler has completely settled in and taken its shape. So, approximately 50 hours after getting the procedure done. 

Even though it may be tempting, please resist touching your face, and maintain utmost hygiene. Keep your face as clean and dry as possible to avoid infections. 

When to Contact your Cosmetic Surgeon Post-Surgery?

You are advised to immediately contact your cosmetic surgeon or health care provider if you experience any of the following symptoms post your surgery:

  • If your cheeks appear asymmetrical and the appearance lasts for more than a week
  • If bruising, redness, or swelling exceeds more than a week
  • Symptoms of infection, such as fever or chills
  • Upon witnessing symptoms of an allergic reaction or anaphylaxis, such as shortness of breath, call 911 to get help immediately. 

Cheek Filler VS. Fat Grafting: What’s the Difference?

As you may know by now, what cheek fillers mean, but what does fat grafting signify? Fat grafting, also known as “autologous fat injections,” is a procedure where the fat is taken from another part of the body and further deposited in the cheekbones to provide a firm and fuller appearance. 

Cheek fillers usually last for a couple of years. However, fat grafting is a permanent procedure. Results from facial fat grafting are permanent, since the fat is actually transplanted from one area of your body to another.

How Much Do Cheek Fillers Cost?

The approximate average cost of cheek implants amounts to $3,669, according to recent statistics from the American Society of Plastic Surgeons. This estimate excludes the cost of anesthesia, operating room facilities, or other related expenses. You are advised to consult with your cosmetic surgeon to determine your overall estimated cost.

Although the fee of every surgeon may differ in terms of various factors like their experience, the type of procedure you choose, miscellaneous expenses, etc. 

Please make sure to ask for patient financing plans, as many cosmetic surgeons offer them. 

Cheek augmentation costs may include,

  • Surgeon’s fee
  • Anesthesia fees
  • Medical tests and x-rays
  • Prescriptions for medication
  • Hospital or surgical facility costs

Apart from all the aforementioned costs, the most important fact to consider is the type of dermal filler you choose. As that is also going to determine the costs you will have to incur. Following this, here’s a list of all the types of dermal fillers mentioned and how much they cost (approximately.)

  • Hyaluronic acid: One syringe of hyaluronic acid filler costs on average around $682
  • Calcium hydroxylapatite (CaHA): Per syringe, costs about $692 on average
  • Poly-L-lactic acid (PLLA):  A filler that lasts longer like polylactic acid, evidently cost more. Per syringe costs around $915 
  • Polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA): The per syringe cost estimates up to $2,000 per treatment on average (Sculptra)
  • Fat grafts: These types of fillers garner permanent results, making them the most expensive alternative. Grafting fillers cost an average of $2,100 per syringe.

Cheek fillers are an elective cosmetic procedure, making them unlikely to be covered by your health insurance.

We sincerely hope that this comprehensive guide was helpful to you in terms of providing a well-informed perspective in order to make your decision on whether to get cheek fillers or not. 

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FAQs

Ans: It depends on which dermal filler you choose. However, they are expected to last at least a year.

Ans: They can evidently help lift the entire face

Ans:It may feel like a sting at the beginning, but once the anesthesia sets in, it’s rather painless.

Ans: Between 40 and 54.

Ans: The fillers usually do not cause the skin to sag once they naturally break down.

Ans: Fat Grafts, Skin Needling (to stimulate collagen).

Ans: Botox paralyzes the underlying muscles, reducing fine lines and wrinkles. Whereas, fillers on the other hand are used to fill in wrinkles and volumize the size.

Ans: If you’re experiencing prolonged swelling, pain, or discomfort, these can lead to an infection, thus making filler unsuitable for you.

Ans: Up to four weeks upon getting the treatment.

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