Do Cheek Fillers Age You?

Book a Consultation for Dermal Fillers with Dr. Laura Geige Today

Understanding Cheek Fillers

What are Cheek Fillers?

Cheek fillers are a non-surgical cosmetic procedure that adds volume to the cheeks using dermal fillers.

These fillers are typically made from hyaluronic acid, a naturally occurring substance in the body that helps maintain skin hydration and elasticity. Hyaluronic acid fillers attract and hold water molecules, which plump up the cheeks and create a more youthful appearance.

Cheek fillers can be used to address a variety of concerns, including:

Loss of volume and definition in the cheekbones

Hollowing or sagging cheeks

Asymmetry in the cheeks

Deep smile lines or nasolabial folds (lines from the nose to the corners of the mouth)

The procedure involves injecting the filler into specific points on the cheeks using a fine needle. The injection process is relatively quick and minimally invasive, with minimal downtime.

Results typically last for 6 months to 2 years, depending on the type of filler used and individual factors.

Types of Fillers Used

Cheek fillers are a popular cosmetic procedure used to enhance facial contours and restore volume lost with age, injury, or genetics. They work by injecting a substance into the cheeks to plump them up, creating a more youthful and defined appearance.

The most common types of cheek fillers are hyaluronic acid (HA) based, synthetic polymers, and fat transfer.

Hyaluronic Acid Fillers: These fillers are made from hyaluronic acid, a naturally occurring substance in the body that attracts and retains water. HA fillers are considered safe and reversible, as they can be dissolved with an enzyme called hyaluronidase if needed. Some popular HA filler brands include Juvederm, Restylane, and Belotero.

Synthetic Polymer Fillers: These fillers are made from non-absorbable substances like poly-L-lactic acid (PLLA) or calcium hydroxylapatite (CaHA). They work by stimulating collagen production, gradually adding volume over time. This type of filler is longer-lasting than HA fillers, with results typically lasting 12 months or more.

Fat Transfer: This technique involves harvesting fat cells from another area of the body, usually the abdomen or thighs, and injecting them into the cheeks. While it offers a natural look, the results are not as immediate as other filler types, and some fat may be reabsorbed over time.

Choosing the right cheek filler depends on individual needs, desired outcome, budget, and any pre-existing medical conditions. It’s essential to consult with a qualified and experienced injector who can assess your facial anatomy and recommend the most suitable option for you.

In terms of aging, while cheek fillers can help restore lost volume and create a more youthful appearance, it’s important to note that they are not a fountain of youth. They address specific areas of concern but don’t prevent or reverse the natural aging process completely.

Ultimately, achieving a balanced and aesthetically pleasing look involves a combination of factors, including skincare, lifestyle choices, and potentially other cosmetic procedures.

Potential Ageing Effects

Get Started with Dermal Fillers – Book with Dr. Laura Geige Now

Overfilling and Volume Imbalance

Potential aging effects of cheek fillers can occur if not administered correctly or if the patient undergoes repeated treatments over time.

Here’s a breakdown of these potential issues:

• **Overfilling:**

Injecting too much filler can lead to a “puffy” or unnatural appearance, obscuring facial contours and making the face look swollen. This can create an artificial, even aged, look.

• **Volume Imbalance:**

Uneven distribution of filler can result in asymmetry and disproportionate facial features. If one cheek is more filled than the other, it creates an unbalanced aesthetic that can appear unnatural and contribute to a tired or aging look.

• **Loss of Facial Anatomy:**

Over time, repeated injections of filler in certain areas can weaken the underlying facial muscles and lead to loss of definition. The face may appear flatter and less youthful as natural contours become diminished.

• **Peau d’Orange Effect:

In rare cases, filler injections can cause a dimpling or “orange peel” appearance on the skin, especially if the product is not properly dispersed. This texture change can be considered undesirable and make the skin appear aged.

• **Migration of Filler:**

Some fillers may migrate over time, moving to areas unintended by the injector. This migration can distort facial features and contribute to an unnatural appearance.

It’s crucial to remember that cheek fillers, when performed responsibly by a qualified and experienced practitioner, are designed to enhance youthful volume and contours. However, potential aging effects can occur if proper techniques, product selection, and patient expectations are not carefully considered.

Regular touch-up appointments with your injector and open communication about your aesthetic goals are essential for maintaining natural-looking results and minimizing the risk of any negative aging consequences.

Loss of Facial Mobility

As we age, our bodies undergo a natural process of decline, and our facial features are no exception. Facial aging is primarily driven by a decrease in collagen and elastin production, proteins responsible for skin’s elasticity and structure.

Over time, this loss leads to sagging skin, wrinkles, and diminished volume in the face, particularly around the cheeks, resulting in hollowing and a less youthful appearance.

Facial mobility, which contributes significantly to our expressions and dynamic features, also declines with age. Muscles weaken and atrophy, limiting their ability to contract and relax, leading to flattened cheekbones, downturned corners of the mouth, and a loss of overall facial animation.

This can make individuals appear older than they actually are, as their faces lack the vibrancy and expressiveness characteristic of youth.

Filler Migration and Irregularities

The notion that cheek fillers age you is a complex one, stemming from a combination of potential ageing effects, filler migration, and aesthetic considerations.

Over time, the natural collagen and elastin in our skin degrade, leading to volume loss and a more sunken appearance. Cheek fillers, typically composed of hyaluronic acid, are designed to restore lost volume, plumping up the cheeks and creating a youthful contour. However, this restoration can be temporary.

As hyaluronic acid is naturally absorbed by the body, the effects of cheek fillers gradually fade, often over 6-18 months depending on the type and brand used. The gradual loss of volume can create an unevenness or “shadowing” effect as surrounding areas continue to age.

Filler migration occurs when injected material moves from its intended location. This can happen for various reasons, such as improper injection technique, facial movements, or even natural bodily processes like lymphatic drainage.

When fillers migrate, they may accumulate in unintended areas, creating lumps, bumps, or distortions. This can certainly contribute to an aged appearance, as these irregularities are not part of the natural contours of the face.

Moreover, the aesthetic ideals surrounding facial volume change with time. What might have been considered a youthful and attractive look several years ago may now appear overfilled or even artificial.

Trends in aesthetics constantly evolve, influencing perceptions of beauty. A significant consideration is that while cheek fillers can initially provide a noticeable lift, they do not address the underlying ageing process.

Therefore, repeated use of fillers might eventually lead to more pronounced changes as the natural tissues continue to weaken.

The key takeaway is that cheek fillers, while effective in restoring volume and achieving desired aesthetic goals, should be viewed as a temporary solution. It’s essential to consult with an experienced and qualified practitioner who understands the potential risks, benefits, and long-term implications of filler treatments.

Minimizing Risks and Maintaining a Youthful Look

Choosing a Qualified Injector

Minimizing risks and maintaining a youthful look when considering cheek fillers requires careful consideration and planning. It’s crucial to remember that any medical procedure carries inherent risks, but these can be significantly minimized by choosing a qualified injector and following proper pre- and post-treatment guidelines.

One of the most important factors in ensuring a safe and successful outcome is **selecting a qualified injector**. Look for a licensed professional with extensive experience in facial injectables, particularly cheek fillers.

They should be board-certified in a relevant medical specialty, such as dermatology or plastic surgery, and have a deep understanding of facial anatomy and aesthetics.

A thorough consultation is essential before undergoing any procedure. Use this time to discuss your desired outcome, medical history, and any concerns you may have. A qualified injector will assess your individual needs, evaluate your facial structure, and recommend the appropriate type and amount of filler.

During the procedure, the injector should use sterile techniques and adhere to strict safety protocols to minimize the risk of infection or other complications. It’s also important to ask about the specific brand of filler being used, as different products have varying properties and longevity.

Post-treatment care is equally important for achieving optimal results and minimizing risks. Follow your injector’s instructions carefully regarding ice packs, elevation, and activity restrictions. Avoid touching or massaging the treated area for at least 24 hours.

Be aware that some bruising, swelling, and redness are normal side effects, but they should subside within a few days. If you experience any unusual symptoms, such as severe pain, infection, or asymmetry, contact your injector immediately.

By taking these precautions and choosing a qualified injector, you can significantly reduce the risks associated with cheek fillers and increase the likelihood of achieving natural-looking, youthful results.

Realistic Expectations and Consultation

Minimizing risks and maintaining a youthful look are paramount considerations when exploring cosmetic procedures like cheek fillers. Understanding potential complications and realistic outcomes is crucial for making informed decisions.

One key risk associated with cheek fillers is overfilling. This can lead to an unnatural, “puffy” appearance, exaggerating facial features rather than subtly enhancing them. Another risk is migration of the filler, which may result in an uneven or asymmetrical outcome.

It’s also important to be aware of potential complications like infection, bruising, swelling, and allergic reactions. These risks can vary depending on factors such as the type of filler used, individual skin sensitivity, and the experience of the injector.

To minimize these risks, it is essential to consult with a qualified and experienced board-certified plastic surgeon or dermatologist specializing in fillers. During your consultation, discuss your desired outcome in detail and ask about the specific type of filler they recommend, potential side effects, and recovery time.

Setting realistic expectations is crucial. Cheek fillers can enhance volume and definition, but they cannot completely erase the signs of aging. It’s important to understand that results are temporary and will gradually diminish over time, typically requiring repeat treatments to maintain the desired look.

During your consultation, your doctor can assess your facial structure and discuss whether fillers are a suitable option for you. They may also recommend other procedures or a combination of treatments to achieve a more comprehensive rejuvenation.

Regular Touch-Ups and Maintenance

The question of whether cheek fillers age you depends largely on technique, product choice, and individual facial anatomy.

When done skillfully, cheek augmentation can actually **rejuvenate** the face by restoring volume loss that occurs naturally with aging. As we get older, our skin thins, and the fat pads in our cheeks naturally descend, leading to a more sunken and hollow appearance.

However, if fillers are placed incorrectly or too aggressively, they can indeed create an unnatural and aged look. Overfilling can result in a puffy, “chipmunk cheek” effect that makes the face appear wider and less youthful.

Therefore, it’s crucial to choose a **qualified and experienced injector**. They should carefully assess your individual features, understand facial anatomy, and tailor the treatment plan to your specific needs and goals.

In addition to proper placement, the type of filler used also plays a role in achieving natural-looking results. Newer, longer-lasting fillers that are designed specifically for cheek augmentation can provide subtle yet noticeable volume enhancement without feeling overly stiff or unnatural.

**Regular touch-ups and maintenance** are essential to maintaining a youthful look with cheek fillers. As the filler gradually breaks down over time (typically lasting 6-18 months), your injector will recommend follow-up appointments to refresh the volume and prevent the cheeks from looking flat or deflated.

It’s important to note that even with meticulous placement and regular maintenance, cheek fillers are not a permanent solution. The aging process continues naturally, and eventually, more significant changes may be needed to address further volume loss.

Ultimately, whether or not cheek fillers age you depends on the expertise of the injector, your individual facial features, and your commitment to ongoing maintenance. When done correctly and thoughtfully, cheek augmentation can be a safe and effective way to enhance natural beauty and maintain a youthful appearance.

Get Your Dermal Filler Consultation with Dr. Laura Geige

Fashionably Balanced Ring of the Reeks Cycle Lottie London Aesthetics