All of us will experience the ageing process in some form, and the facial changes that come with it. Areas such as the cheeks and lower face can really struggle, as tissue loss such as muscle, fat and bone as well as the loss of collagen and elastin within the skin, take their toll.
The cheeks can become sunken, the cheek bones look less pronounced, jowls can form and the face can take on a more square appearance, where once it may have been oval or heart-shaped.
We offer cheek fillers to restore a look of vitality to the mid and lower face, whilst respecting your unique facial anatomy and natural contours.
Dermal fillers are made up of a synthesized, lab-created version of hyaluronic acid (HA). HA is a naturally-occurring substance which is found in the body and cushions and hydrates the joints, connective tissues, the eyes and of course, the skin.
As we age and as environmental influences such as pollution, smoking and sun-exposure take their toll, HA depletes. This can lead to the further loss of substances within the skin, such as collagen, which can cause further skin degradation.
By injecting HA dermal fillers in to the mid and lower sections of the face, such as the cheeks, we can lift and support, re-construct and re-volumize facial contours and create that oval or heart shape which is so synonymous with a youthful appearance.
Most patients who are experiencing facial ageing of the lower face, can benefit from dermal fillers, however, at Dr Bhavin’s clinics, we take your general health and wellbeing extremely seriously, so before we agree to offer you a cheek filler treatment, we will ask that you attend a no obligation consultation so that one of our medical practitioners can assess your facial anatomy, skin quality and concerns.
We will also check your medical history to ensure there are no contraindications that may prevent a cheek filler treatment from going ahead., Once the practitioner and you are happy that dermal fillers are a safe and suitable option for your facial concerns, you can book your treatment appointment.
When you attend Dr Bhavin for your cheek filler treatment, you will be asked to complete some standard consent forms. Once these are completed, you will be shown to one of our comfortable treatment rooms and will be able to relax on the treatment couch.
Your practitioner will then explain about how the cheek filler treatment that is going to take place and will prepare your skin by cleansing it. A topical anaesthetic may also be applied to numb the area. However, it might not be necessary to apply numbing cream before the treatment as many of the FDA approved dermal fillers we use contain an injectable anaesthetic called Lidocaine.
For cheeks, a cannula will also, most likely, be used to inject the product. This is a blunt-ended needle which glides through the skin tissues, vessels and veins more smoothly than a traditional needle. It is much more comfortable and also minimises the chances of bruising. Once the product has been injected, your practitioner may mould and shape it with their fingers, so that a natural, soft and pleasing result is achieved and the product integrates well within the skin tissues. When the treatment is complete, you may return to your daily activities, adhering to the aftercare that your practitioner advises.
As with any injectable treatment using a needle or a cannula, there may be some discomfort and in cases where cannulas are used, there may be some pulling or tugging sensations, which can feel quite strange. However, you should not feel pain.
If you are particularly nervous or sensitive, your practitioner may be able to use a topical or even an injectable anaesthetic, but this is not usually necessary for cheek fillers. We want you to feel comfortable and relaxed so we will discuss with you, at every step, your preferences and tolerance levels.
Most results from a dermal filler treatment can be seen immediately, as the dermal filler will physically augment the skin tissues. However, you will need to consider any swelling and bruising that might occur, and allow at least a few days to a week for this to subside.
We recommend allowing 2 weeks to see your final results. It is at this time that you can return to the clinic for a follow-up appointment and have any further top ups or alterations which may be required..
There is no ‘clinical’ downtime following a dermal filler treatment (a rest and recovery period at home) and there is minimal-to-no cosmetic downtime after a cheek filler procedure. You may have some very light bruising, tenderness, swelling and some pin prick marks after the procedure, but these should all subside fairly quickly.
Making sure you follow the aftercare tips that your practitioner offers you, after your dermal filler treatment for the cheeks, will help to speed up any cosmetic downtime and will enhance your results.
Every patient is different when it comes to the longevity of results, following a cheek filler treatment and there are contributing factors that can extend or minimise the longevity of your own results. If you smoke, sit in the sun, exercise excessively and don’t take care of your skin by drinking plenty of water and using good quality skincare, you’re not going to experience the same results as someone who lives a healthy lifestyle and protects their skin.
Many patients however, report that the results from their cheek filler treatments can last anything from 8 to 12 months.