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Hollow Cheeks

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As we age, our face undergoes significant changes due to the redistribution of facial fats and the depletion of collagen. The once plump and rounded cheeks begin to sag and sink, leading to a hollow appearance under the eyes and a loss of the youthful fullness of the face. This volume loss not only affects the cheeks but also leads to changes around the mouth, eyes, forehead, and temples. The result is a face that appears older and thinner, often not reflecting the individual’s vitality and energy.

Cheek fillers are designed to counteract these signs of aging by providing volume to and around the cheekbones. Utilizing dermal fillers, this treatment enhances the size, definition, and shape of the cheeks, thereby restoring the natural, youthful contours of the face. Dermal fillers, such as hyaluronic acid, calcium hydroxylapatite, and poly-L-lactic acid (PLLA), are carefully injected into the mid-face area to achieve fuller, defined cheekbones and lift the mid and lower face. Brands like Juvederm, Restylane, Radiesse, and Sculptra are among the top choices for achieving these effects.

Dermal fillers used in the cheek are generally considered safe. However, like any injectable filler, they can have potential side effects. Common side effects are usually not serious and tend to resolve within a week or so. Here are some common side effects near the injection site that are mild and usually go away within 1 to 2 weeks:

  • swelling
  • redness
  • pain
  • bruising
  • rash
  • itching

Type of fillers

Many dermal fillers can add volume to the cheek area and plump skin up. This can help stretch out your skin and achieve fuller, defined cheekbones and lift the mid and lower face.

  1. Hyaluronic acid (Juvéderm)– is a naturally occurring substance found in various parts of the human body, including the joints, eyes, and skin. Injectable hyaluronic acid offers a solution to this, providing immediate enhancement by restoring volume and reducing the prominence of wrinkles.
  2. Calcium hydroxylapatite (Radiesse)– is composed of small calcium hydroxylapatite (CaHA) microspheres suspended in a soft gel matrix.  It stimulates your skin’s own regeneration abilities – new collagen is produced over the following weeks and months, making your skin stronger and more elastic.
  3. Poly-lactic acid (PLA) (Sculptra, Dermaveil, AestheFill), which is approved for collagen stimulation and can improve cheek hollowness in a natural and soft way.
  4. Ellanse– ingredient is made of 30% polycaprolactone (PCL) and 70% PBS-biodegradable material (carboxymethylcellulose, CMC) gel, which can provide instant filling and wrinkle repair. By stimulating collagen regeneration, autologous new collagen can achieve long-lasting and continuous filling.

Some dermal fillers help your body produce natural collagen that can restore the fats in your cheek. They can firm up the skin and reduce wrinkles while giving the skin a more youthful look.

What long does the results last?

Dermal fillers are temporary, lasting anywhere from 6 months to two years before needing to be redone.

What is the procedure like?

  1. The area to be injected will be numbed using anaesthetic cream.
  2. Doctor will cleanse the area well with disinfecting solutions to insure there’s no makeup or bacteria sitting on your skin.
  3. Doctor will gently insert the needle or cannula into the cheek area and slowly release the substance from the syringe into the cheek. You may feel a brief stinging or pinching sensation when the needle goes in.
  4. Depending on the type of filler used, your doctor may need to massage the area gently to make sure there are no lumps or bumps.

What is the aftercare that I need to be aware of?

  1. Don’t sleep on your cheek or put any pressure on them for a few days after your injections. Sleep on your back with your face up.
  2. Don’t do any intense exercise until about 48 hours after the procedure.
  3. Don’t drink any alcohol until about 24 hours after the procedure.
  4. Try not to touch your cheek until any pain, swelling, or discomfort has passed.

How often do I need to repeat the injection?

Depending on the type of filler injected, they typically last for 6 months to 2 years. You may have to repeat the inject before all the filler is gone.

Contraindications to filler injection to cheek area?

The treatment is generally not advised for pregnant or breastfeeding women

Patient with systemic illness or bleeding disorder

Patient that are allergic to ingredients of the filler products

How much does it cost?

Price would depend on the type and amount of filler used. Please contact us if you want to have more information.