As we age, we naturally lose volume in our face. This is a result of losing subcutaneous fat ("baby fat") and losing bone mass.
There are a variety of treatments available to reverse these signs of aging. At The Glow Bar, our preferred mode of treatment is using dermal fillers to replace lost volume in your cheeks.
Cheek fillers are a cosmetic procedure designed to lift your cheekbones, add volume to your face, and smooth fine lines and wrinkles.
In this article we will discuss everything you need to know about cheek fillers; including cost, what to expect during treatment, and any potential risks or side effects.
What are cheek fillers?
Cheek fillers are injections that raise the volume of the area above and around your cheekbones. Dermal fillers in your cheeks act as an anchor to help lift your face. This provides the illusion of a more defined bone structure. By injecting volume under your skin layer, cheek fillers can also smooth out wrinkles and fine lines.
Types of Fillers
For cheek fillers, we typically use hyaluronic acid fillers with a higher viscosity; JUVÉDERM® VOLUMA™ XC.
We are also able to use softer fillers, like Revanesse®Versa+™ fillers, to enhance facial volume.
Your nurse will recommend either one of these filler types or a combination of the two to help you achieve your desired effect.
How long do cheek fillers last?
Depending on the type that you choose, cheek fillers can last anywhere from 6-12 months. The dermal filler material eventually dissolves and metabolizes into your skin tissue. We recommend coming back to the office for touch ups rather than waiting until all the filler has disappeared to save money and stay fresh all year round.
What to expect during your procedure.
If you are unsure if cheek fillers are the right treatment for you, we recommend first scheduling a Fillers Consultation. We typically are able to schedule your treatment within a week of your initial consultation. If you would like to proceed with treatment at your first visit, we recommend scheduling a Fillers Appointment to allow for enough time to consult and treat the same day.
Before your appointment:
You should avoid taking any blood thinning medications, such as ibuprofen or aspirin, for 7 days prior to your treatment. This to help minimize bleeding and bruising during your treatment. We also do not recommend consuming any alcohol 24 hours before and after your treatment.
During your treatment:
At your appointment, we will first apply a topical numbing cream to your cheeks. The treatment area will then be cleansed with alcohol.
Your nurse will then use a cannula or a direct injection approach to skillfully administer the filler to each cheek. The fillers contain an anesthetic which will help improve your comfort during treatment.
Your appointment will take about 45 to 60 minutes from start to finish.
After your treatment:
You can resume most normal activity after injections immediately.
You should avoid physical activity for 24 hours after treatment. We do not recommend scheduling a facial for at least 24 hours after your appointment.
You should expect to experience swelling and minimal bruising for around 3 days post-procedure. Your results should be final around 5-7 days.
Are there any side effects to cheek fillers
Fillers are considered to be safe, but side effects can occur. Most common side effects include:
Skin rash, itching, or acne breakouts.
Redness, bruising, bleeding, or swelling
Lumps, asymmetry, or overcorrection of wrinkles.
All dermal fillers carry a slight risk of an allergic reaction or an infection. Other less common side effects include:
Tissue death due to circulation blockage
Vision loss
There’s also the risk of injection material migrating to other parts of your face, causing a lumpy or asymmetrical appearance. If this does happen, we can inject a solution to dissolve the filler.
How much do cheek fillers cost?
The most common filler used to treat cheeks is Juvederm Voluma XC Filler. We recommend this filler as it has a dense consistence that most accurately simulates cheek volume.
Fillers are priced per syringe. We are able to treat in full and half syringe increments. The prices for fillers used at The Glow Bar for cheek fillers is as follows:
Juvederm Voluma XC: $850/syringe
Revanesse Versa+: $550/syringe
Restylane: $550/syringe
Juvederm Ultra Plus XC: $650/syringe
The amount of filler needed is dependent on the desired effect and the amount of volume already lost. Typically, patients in their 20's to mid-30's will require 1-2 full syringes to restore lost volume in their cheeks. Patients above this age range may benefit from consulting first with our medical director, Dr. Paul Fischer, as injectable dermal fillers may not be an effective treatment for these patients.
If you're interested in learning more or moving forward with Cheek Filler treatment, FOLLOW THIS LINK to schedule an appointment or consultation.