Cheek Augmentation

If you are opting for cheek fillers, then the procedure itself is very straightforward. Initially, the specialist will cleanse the proposed injection sites. In most cases, this will use an antibacterial agent. Furthermore, the usage of an anesthetic ointment may be utilized to alleviate any pain around the injection site.

Once this has been achieved, the specialist will then proceed to perform the injections. If needed, an additional filler may be added based on the specialist’s evaluation. As noted above, this procedure can take anywhere between 15 minute to an hour, with this depending on the individual patient.

Once the specialist feels that they have achieved the desired results, the injection markings will be cleaned off. In order to alleviate any post-injection discomfort, you may be given an ice pack to reduce the swelling. You may feel a slight element of discomfort for a couple of days after the procedure, however this should be somewhat minimal.

As the injection of cheek fillers for the purpose of cheek augmentation is a straightforward procedure, you should be able to resume normal day-to-day activities once the treatment is complete.  However, to ensure that you do not experience bruising or swelling, it is best advised to restrict physical activity for the first couple of days.

Nevertheless, your treatment specialist will discuss this with you during the consultation, as well as after the procedure. Take note, whilst results are sometimes noticeable straightaway, this is not always the case. There is the possibility that the affected area may appear ‘overfilled’.  Moreover, and as discussed further below, you may notice redness or numbness around the affected area, although this is temporary.

Much like all other cosmetic products, there are a range of risks that must be considered when using cheek fillers for the purpose of cheek augmentation. Whilst these will be explained to you in full detail during your consultation, we have listed some of the most common below.

Cheeks fillers can result in the skin around the affected area developing redness, rashes and itching. The process can also lead to bruising, swelling and bleeding from the implantation of the injection. Further complications linked to cheek fillers can also lead to lumps, asymmetry, both an under and over correction of wrinkles, and skin necrosis.

In rarer cases, the process can lead to blindness. Once again, although other risks may arise from cheek fillers in relation to the goals of cheek augmentation, a full breakdown will be provided during your face-to-face meeting with the specialist.

Now that we’ve covered the key risks, let’s take a look at what sort of results you can expect to see.

It is important to note that there are never any guarantees that you will meet your full expectations from a cheek augmentation. As such, optimal results from the utilization of cheek fillers may vary from the expectation of the patient.

Nevertheless, in some cases, results from cheek fillers such as Restylane can often be noticed immediately. Moreover, these results often last anywhere between 6 and 18 months. Once again, this will vary from patient-to-patent.

If the desired goals are achieved, it is hoped that cheek augmentation will result in cheeks that look emphasized. Furthermore, not only is it hoped that the cheeks will see a change in contour, but cheek augmentation can also lead to a vast improvement in cheeks that previously looked ‘sunken’.  As such, optimal results will see a more rounded appearance around the facial area.

Before you undergo a cheek augmentation, you will first need to meet with a qualified specialist. This consultation period is utilized for a range of reasons. First and foremost, it is important for the specialist to understand what is it you are looking to achieve, alongside your short and long-term expectations.

Once this has been discussed, the specialist will then need to ask you some questions regarding your personal circumstances. The reason for this is to ascertain whether or not you are a suitable candidate for cheek augmentation. Furthermore, it will also need to be established whether you face any inherent risks in response to the usage of cheek fillers such as Restylane.

In terms of suitability, it is important to note that the usage of cheek fillers is only suitable for adults. The specialist will need to understand whether you have a history of allergies. More specifically, allergic reactions (such as anaphylaxis) will need to be discussed.

As the two key ingredients of Restylane are hyaluronic acid and lidocaine, the specialist will need to understand whether you are allergic to them. If you have a history of excessive skin pigmenting and scarring, then you might not be a good candidate for cheek augmentation.

Moreover, a history of bleeding disorders may also be considered high risk. If you are currently taking medications such as aspirin or ibuprofen, as well as those linked to blood thinners, then cheek fillers might not be suitable.

Due to the common disparity in patient needs, costs can vary on an individual-by-individual basis. Moreover, the costs will vary depending on the underlying method used by the specialist, as well as the product.

Ultimately, once the specialist is able to ascertain your circumstance during the consultation, they will be able to give you a full breakdown of the underlying costs. At this point, you will be able to make a decision as to whether you want to proceed with the treatment.

If you are undergoing a cheek augmentation on an outpatient basis and as such, having cheek fillers injected in and around your cheeks, then this usually take no longer than 1 hour. In some cases, treatment can take just 15 minutes.

Whilst the injection of cheek fillers is a basic procedure, some discomfort might be encountered. This is why a specialist will most commonly decide to apply an anesthetic ointment before the injections are made.

Whilst this will vary on a patient-by-patient basis, in most cases, you can expect to see results last for between 6 to 18 months.

If you are having dermal fillers applied, then you will not need to take any time off work. Whilst you might experience a slight element of discomfort, it should not require any painkillers. As a side note, it might be worthwhile avoiding physical activity for 24-48 hours post-treatment, to avoid the risks of swelling or bruising.