CHEEK FILLER

CHEEK ENHANCEMENT


Restore loss of volume in the cheek caused by the ageing process

Enhance the natural shape of the cheek


 Introduction

Dermal fillers are used to plump, enhance, define, rejuvenate and increase or replace volume in the cheek.

It is predominantly made up of cross linked hyaluronic acid which is naturally occurring in the body. Hyaluronic acid is known for its water attracting properties and attracts and holds moisture around 1000 times it's own weight. 

The tissue surrounding the filler therefore appears plump, hydrated and creases look softer or diminish. 

Dermal filler is temporary and can last between 6 months and 2 years depending on the type of filler used and the rate at which it is broken down by the individual.
Everyone is born with fat pads in their cheeks which sit up high and full when we are young, giving that full and youthful appearance. 
When we get older, the ageing process causes the fat pads (that keep our cheeks full and high) to shrink in size and slip downwards (due to less collagen production and ligaments that keep the fat pads together). This means that the cheek volume is less and sits further down the face, causing us to look older. With cheek filler we restore the volume in the cheek that may have shrunk during the ageing process to create a fuller look. This can be at the apple of the cheeks or the cheek bone higher up.

The ageing process might not be the reason you may want cheek filler. Some people are born with very little fat pads and so desire fuller cheeks or more defined cheeks. This can be done with cheek filler treatment which can help balance the face or even out natural asymmetry. 

What happens in the procedure?



Lidocaine based numbing cream will be applied to the cheek area for approximately 30 minutes after you arrive at the clinic.


You would have been sent an online consultation form prior to your appointment which is assessed by our practitioners to ensure you are suitable for treatment.


After the numbing cream has been left for 30 minutes you would have a consultation with the practitioner who will discuss with you about the cheek filler treatment. Our practitioners will advise you on the amount you might need to achieve the results you desire.


Please note, we do not use cannula for our cheek treatments. We find the results are better with needle.


The procedure including the 30 minute numbing cream wait time is around 45 - 1 hour long. Most our clients are here for 45 minutes but do include extra time in case there is more that is required in your appointment.



How many mls or treatments do I need?


 1ml of dermal filler is the equivalent to 1.5th of a teaspoon or 1/10th of a condiment sachet.


It may take numerous visits to the clinic to achieve your desired look. X amount of mls in some individuals may make little to no difference, depending on area, age and desired look. We usually recommend at the very least 1ml each side as the minimum.


Dermal filler begins to be broken down by the body a month after treatment. This means that if 1ml of dermal filler was initially only a very subtle change, then as its broken down in a couple of months to 0.5ml, this might look like there is no difference at all and that the filler has only lasts '3 months' rather than 6 months. This is not the case, it means that 0.5ml would not be enough to make changes to the area. Dermal filler lasts 6-9 months before it is FULLY broken down.


For cheeks, typically clients require 2-6ml for cheeks or 1ml for a 'top up'. The cheeks are a large surface area and so require more volume to see a significant change.



How long does cheek filler last?


Dermal filler the cheeks lasts around 9 months to a year on average according to manufacturers.

The longevity of cheek filler is dependant on the individual. Some factors that affect longevity are: age, metabolism, amount injected at the time, amount of time since last treatment, amount of treatments previously.



What are the risks and side effects?


Swelling (which can be uneven)
Bruising (can last a couple of weeks)
Injection marks
Haematoma (large bruising)
Redness (prolonged)
Tenderness
Pain
Itchiness
Numbness
Coldsore breakout
Migration
Lumps
Infection
Occlusion

After the first two weeks there could still be residual swelling and lumps present for up to 6 weeks (although not as obvious). This is due to the tissue releasing histamines into the local tissue which draws fluid to the area whilst the cheek heal and the tissue inflammation calms. The lumps that can be present is swelling around the injection sites due to the microtrauma of insertion. These normally subside spontaneously. 

Occlusions occur when a blockage impacts the blood flow of a vessel. This can happen to every clinic with every practitioner. It is impossible to completely avoid, no matter how much extensive training and experience the practitioner has. They are very rare and the risk is reduced with training and experience but can still occur unfortunately. 

If this occurs we would be required to carry out emergency hyalse treatment which is where we inject a dissolve to dissolve the blockage and return the blood flow back to normal. 

Please bare in mind that if you have had previous cheek filler, the hyalase will dissolve this too. 
Please do not get further treatment if you are not prepared for your filler to be completely dissolved if this is this occurs.
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