Your Guide to Cheek Fillers – What do they do?

Cheek fillers offer a wonderful way to ease signs of aging and enhance your appearance without the need for surgery. By restoring volume, lifting sagging cheeks and defining cheekbones, dermal fillers offer immediate results for a more youthful, refreshed and sculpted look. Today at Valley Dermatology and Skin Cancer Center, we will answer your questions with our ultimate guide to cheek fillers, from “what do they do?” to “how long do they last?” and more.

If you’re looking for an effective way to rejuvenate your appearance, cheek fillers may be the perfect solution!

How They Enhance Facial Appearance

Did you know your cheeks play a crucial role in defining facial structure and symmetry? They contribute significantly to your overall attractiveness and youthfulness. Well-defined and voluminous cheeks enhance facial contours, lift sagging skin and create a balanced and harmonious look. Here is a closer look at what cheek fillers do:

Restoring Volume

As we age, we naturally lose subcutaneous fat in our faces, which leads to a loss of volume and a hollow, sunken appearance. Cheek fillers are composed of substances like hyaluronic acid, which is naturally found in the skin. When injected, they replenish lost volume, plumping up the cheeks and giving the face a fuller, more youthful look.

Lifting Sagging Cheeks

Gravity and aging can cause the cheeks to sag, leading to a tired and aged appearance. By strategically placing fillers in the mid-face region, practitioners can lift the cheeks, counteracting the effects of gravity. This lift not only rejuvenates the cheek area but also improves the overall facial contour.

Defining Cheekbones

High, defined cheekbones are a hallmark of youthful beauty. Cheek fillers can enhance the natural structure of the face by adding definition to the cheekbones. This sculpting effect can create a more balanced and harmonious facial appearance, accentuating the cheekbones and enhancing overall facial aesthetics.

Types of Cheek Fillers & How They Work

Many cheek fillers are made from hyaluronic acid (HA), a substance that naturally occurs in the body and helps retain moisture and elasticity in the skin. When injected, hyaluronic acid fillers bind with water molecules, adding volume and hydration to the targeted areas. This plumps and lifts the skin, enhancing facial contours and creating a more youthful appearance.

At Valley Dermatology we use Voluma for cheek filler for natural-looking, dramatic results in the cheek area. We place it carefully to harmonize with your facial features, ensuring subtle, yet visible results without appearing overdone. This way fillers do what they do best.

Juvederm Voluma

Juvederm Voluma is a popular brand of Allergan dermal fillers made from hyaluronic acid. It is commonly used for a variety of cosmetic enhancements, including cheek augmentation.

How Voluma Works:

Voluma fillers are injected into the cheek area to restore lost volume. The hyaluronic acid in Voluma attracts and retains water, which helps to plump up the skin.

• By adding volume to the cheeks, Voluma also helps to lift sagging skin
• This not only rejuvenates the mid-face area but also enhances the overall facial contour
• Voluma accentuates the cheekbones, giving the face a more sculpted and defined look
• The effects of Voluma are visible immediately after the procedure, providing instant enhancement
• Depending on the specific product used, results can last from six months to two years
• Voluma treatments are quick, often taking less than an hour, and require little to no downtime

SkinVive

SkinVive is a newer type of hydrator designed to improve skin texture and hydration, making it ideal for subtle enhancements in the cheek area. It is also based on hyaluronic acid but focuses more on skin quality rather than volume.

• SkinVive injections deliver hyaluronic acid into the skin, which binds to water molecules and provides deep hydration
• This improves the skin’s elasticity and smoothness, making it look more youthful and radiant
• Unlike traditional fillers that primarily add volume, SkinVive focuses on enhancing quality of the skin
• It helps to smooth out fine lines and improve the skin’s texture
• While SkinVive does provide some volumizing effects, its primary goal is to enhance the skin’s appearance and feel
• SkinVive provides a very natural-looking enhancement, perfect for those who want subtle improvements in their skin’s texture and hydration
• Patients often notice an immediate improvement with continued benefits as the hyaluronic acid stimulates the skin’s natural repair processes
• Like Voluma, SkinVive treatments are quick and require little to no downtime

Expert Tips About Cheek Fillers: Things to Consider

A part of your guide to cheek fillers, it is important to understand what they do and what you should consider prior to getting cheek filler. Here is a list of helpful tips and reasons when exploring this filler treatment:

1. Choose a Qualified Practitioner

Ensure that the practitioner performing the procedure has extensive experience in injectable treatments. At Valley Dermatology our aesthetic injectors are RNs with ongoing training and education about injectables like Voluma.

Reason: Expertise is crucial for achieving natural-looking results and minimizing the risk of complications.

2. Understand the Different Types of Fillers

Familiarize yourself with different types of cheek fillers and what they do. There are differences between hyaluronic acid-based fillers (e.g., Voluma) and others like calcium hydroxylapatite (e.g., Radiesse).

Reason: Different fillers offer various benefits and longevity; understanding these can help you choose the best option for your needs. Also, HA fillers can be dissolved if necessary, while other fillers cannot.

3. Have Realistic Expectations

Discuss your goals and expectations with your practitioner to ensure they are achievable with cheek fillers.

Reason: While fillers can significantly enhance your appearance, they have limitations and might not replicate the results of surgical procedures.

4. Consider the Balance of Your Face

Cheek fillers should be part of an overall facial rejuvenation plan that considers the harmony and balance of your entire face. At Valley Dermatology, our deep knowledge of dermal fillers and facial structure ensures wonderful results.

Reason: Enhancing the cheeks without addressing other areas may result in an unbalanced or unnatural look.

5. Evaluate the Longevity of Results

Understand how long the results of your chosen filler will last and plan for maintenance treatments accordingly.

Reason: Most fillers last between six months to two years, and knowing this helps you plan for future appointments to maintain your desired look.

FAQs

What are the primary benefits of cheek fillers, and how long do the results typically last?

Cheek fillers restore volume, lift sagging skin, and define cheekbones, resulting in a more youthful and sculpted appearance. The results typically last between six months to two years, depending on the specific filler used and individual factors.

Are cheek filler treatments safe, and is there any discomfort during the procedure?

Yes, cheek filler treatments are generally safe when performed by a qualified professional, with minimal side effects like swelling or bruising. There may be slight discomfort during the procedure, but it is usually well-tolerated and can be minimized with the use of topical anesthetics.

Can I combine cheek fillers with other cosmetic treatments, and what’s the consultation process like?

Yes, you can combine cheek fillers with other cosmetic treatments like Botox or skin resurfacing for comprehensive facial rejuvenation. The consultation process involves discussing your goals, assessing your facial structure, and developing a personalized treatment plan to achieve your desired results.

Why Choose Valley Dermatology for Dermal Fillers?

Valley Dermatology and Skin Cancer Center is the leading choice for comprehensive and compassionate dermatological care in the Pacific Northwest. Under the guidance of Dr. Scott Smith, our dedicated team provides exceptional medical services, ensuring an outstanding patient experience. We focus on truly listening to our patients, addressing their concerns, and creating personalized skin treatment plans.

Our expertise spans from skin cancer treatments, including Mohs micrographic surgery, to a wide range of cosmetic services. Whether you’re dealing with acne, fine lines, wrinkles, or other skin conditions, our specialists are here to help. Rely on us for exceptional care and take the first step toward healthier, more beautiful skin. Contact us today to schedule your appointment.