Cheek contour fillers can be injected differently to achieve both a super-defined or a gentle curvature. Generally thicker fillers injected superficially in the fat can be used to replicate bone and achieve a sharper look. This technique needs to be done very carefully by an experienced pracititioner to avoid a lumpy look. Thicker fillers injected more deeply and spread out will allow for a more gentle curvature.

The amount of filler needed will vary depending on the goal and your starting point. Volume loss generally takes a higher amount of filler to accomplish. Collagen-stimulating treatments often require more than 1 session to achieve optimal results. For beautification, we usually use a maximum of 2mls in the cheek in a single sitting and top up if needed.

Cheek filler injections are generally well tolerated and are one of the less painful areas of the face to inject. At Face Doctors Clinic, we have several options for pain relief including ice packs, topical numbing cream, local anaesthetic and happy gas.

There should be an instant improvement on the day of treatment. In the case of hyaluronic acid dermal fillers there will be an instant improvement. Cheek fillers might look slightly sharper on the day of injection. There might also be some redness in the treatment area and less commonly a bruise or more significant swelling. Collagen-stimulating fillers provide initial volume but most of this is water which will get reabsorbed by the body. The full result may take 2 months to show after collagen stimulating fillers (depending on the type used – some provide instant results).

The longevity of cheek filler injections depends on the product used, how much was put in and patient factors. Generally longevity increases with more product in a single area. However, we do not advise overfilling for longevity purposes. Thicker hyaluronic acid fillers do tend to last a bit longer as they are metabolised more slowly by the body. Collagen stimulating fillers come in different varieties that can last up to 4 years post treatment.

Generally men have flatter inner cheeks whereas women tend to have more of an apple in this area. An OG curve can make a man’s face look more feminine. Men tend to have more prominent outer cheeks than women with less fat coverage resulting in a sharper look.

Cheek fillers are one of the most common areas producing a fake look, perhaps along with the lips. This is typically due to putting in too much filler into a single area. Cheek fillers are often promoted as a lifting treatment to prevent sagginess in the inner face. This often leads to over-injecting the outer aspects in an attempt to lift the inner aspects. Generally, we do not recommend fillers specifically as a lifting treatment. They are better suited to rebalancing with the added benefit that they may lift when done appropriately.

Many injectors often inject both cheeks with the same amount of volume on either side. This does not factor in common natural asymmetries of the cheek. We often leave a bit of filler for correcting on the day, leading to more harmonious results. Dr Rafael also specialises in creating sharp, curved or soft cheeks as needed using a variety of techniques.