The cheeks might not be the first thing people notice about you, but they do act as the great equalizers. Think about it – you could have stunning eyes and perfectly plump lips, but if your cheeks aren’t quite right, something just seems off.
Cheek fillers offer a non-invasive way to achieve perfect, plump, and lifted cheeks without surgery. Here at SpaMedica, our team of professionals specializes in dermal cheek fillers. We know precisely how to give you the youthful, natural-looking cheeks you desire.
What are Cheek Fillers?
Let’s get the basics out of the way first. Cheek fillers refer to the substances we inject into specific areas of your cheeks. Think of it like adding air to a deflated balloon – the filler fills up space and creates a more defined shape.
The products we use as fillers are safe, and most of them actually occur naturally in your body. That makes the procedure an excellent non-invasive option with long-lasting results.
What Does Cheek Filler Do?
“Cheeks” is actually a pretty vague term, so we should get more specific. What does cheek filler do?
- Sculpt Cheekbones: One primary purpose of cheek fillers is to lift your cheekbones. If yours are barely visible, we can inject filler to give you more defined and prominent cheekbones. Ever notice that “high cheekbone look” that celebrities like Madonna and Tyra Banks have? Filler helps achieve this sought-after feature. It adds volume in just the right areas to create that lifted and sculpted cheekbone look.
- Add Volume: Some people have natural midface contour deficiencies. This might run in your family, or it could happen over time. Specific illnesses that cause rapid weight loss can lead to hollow cheeks. Plus, as we age, our skin loses collagen, elasticity, and fat – all of which can give you sagging cheeks. Once again, cheek fillers help with all of this. They restore cheek volume and give your face a fuller, more youthful look.
- Eliminate Wrinkles: Wrinkles and fine lines include nasolabial lines, which are another common reason people choose cheek fillers. These signs of aging often show up thanks to sun exposure and lifestyle choices. Cheekbone filler smooths out these wrinkles by filling the space beneath them, giving you a more youthful appearance.
Types of Cheek Fillers
There are several different types of cheek fillers available. Your practitioner will choose the best one based on their expertise and your individual needs:
- Hyaluronic Acid (HA): This is perhaps the most common filler in the industry. You might know it better under brand names like Juvederm (Juvéderm Voluma) or Restylane. HA naturally occurs in your body, which makes it safe and effective for cheek injections. We often use it for lip fillers because it keeps the skin nice and hydrated. One great benefit of HA is that we can dissolve it with another enzyme called hyaluronidase if needed. Results typically last up to 24 months, though we recommend a touch-up treatment at 12 months.
- Calcium Hydroxylapatite (CaHA): CaHA is another natural substance – this one comes from your bones. Results last up to 15 months, and we recommend regular touch-ups. It works wonders on fine lines and wrinkles while adding beautiful fullness to your cheeks.
- Poly-L-lactic Acid (PLLA): Now, we’re moving to synthetic, lab-made substances. But don’t worry – lab-made doesn’t mean bad! PLLA actually encourages your body to make its own collagen through a micro-inflammatory response. This triggers special cells called fibroblasts to produce new collagen, making you look more youthful. Unlike other fillers that show immediate results, PLLA takes several months to work. With popular brands like Sculptra, results can last two years or longer.
- Polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA): Picture tiny balls filling in the gaps in your skin – that’s PMMA. This synthetic substance has been used in medical procedures for over 50 years. These collagen beads sit in a gel-like substance, giving immediate results after facial tissue injection. PMMA stands out for its longevity. It can last several years because it stimulates collagen production and supports your skin structure. You may need multiple treatments to reach your goals.
Am I a Good Candidate for Cheek Fillers?
We would love to tell you that anybody can get cheek fillers without restrictions, but that wouldn’t be responsible. The truth is that most healthy, non-smoking adults are great candidates. However, there are some exceptions:
- Bleeding disorders: Conditions like hemophilia and von Willebrand can increase risks during treatment.
- Allergies: Some people react adversely to synthetic fillers.
- Pregnancy or breastfeeding: We recommend waiting until it is over.
- Specific autoimmune conditions: These might affect healing.
- Infections: Including tooth abscesses, ENT infections, or stomach flu.
- Skin diseases: Active skin conditions need treatment first.
- Tuberculosis: Active TB prevents treatment.
Beyond these restrictions, chances are you’ll be a prime candidate for cheek fillers. Of course, the only way to be sure is to have one of our professionals review your medical history with you. If you want more defined cheekbones, fuller cheeks, or fewer wrinkles, you’ve got great reasons to consider this treatment.
How Much Do Cheek Fillers Cost?
The cost of cheek fillers varies based on several factors, including the type of filler used, the amount required to achieve your desired results, your age, skin condition, and the expertise of your injector. Different types of fillers have their own price points, and the overall cost will depend on your unique treatment plan. Cheek fillers are often considered a worthwhile investment due to their long-lasting results, often lasting for years.
At SpaMedica, we prioritize pricing transparency—following your consultation, you’ll receive an exact quote with no hidden fees or surprises.
How to Prepare for Your Cheek Filler Treatment
Congratulations on deciding to enhance your facial aesthetics! Before your procedure day arrives, there are some essential things to know.
We’ll cover everything during your consultation, but here’s a preview. First, you want to avoid blood-thinning medications for 2 weeks before your procedure. This includes prescription drugs and over-the-counter medicines like Aspirin. If you need these medications for health reasons, let us know – we’ll work something out.
Alcohol also thins your blood, so skip it for at least 24 hours before your injection. Also, schedule your treatment when minor swelling or bruising won’t mess with your plans. If you’ve got a wedding the next day, it may affect those beautiful wedding photos!
How Are Cheek Fillers Performed?
At last, the big day arrives! For us, this is a routine procedure that usually goes smoothly. Yet, we understand it might make you nervous, especially if it’s your first time. Here’s what you can expect:
- Sterilization: We carefully clean all tools and the treatment room.
- Get comfortable: You’ll recline in our treatment chair in a comfortable position.
- Anesthetic: We apply a topical numbing cream (some fillers include numbing medicine).
- Injection: We carefully place the filler in specific areas of your cheeks.
That’s it! The whole process takes 20-30 minutes, and you leave our offices with a new lease on life. At SpaMedica, our skilled professionals perform these treatments daily. You’re in expert hands with our team, who understand facial anatomy and individuality.
Cheek Fillers Before and After
Cheek Filler Recovery Period
This gentle procedure needs minimal downtime. Most people drive themselves home afterward and continue normal activities. For the first few days, avoid sleeping on your cheeks – try to sleep flat on your back. It’s also wise to skip strenuous activity for 48 hours until the filler settles into place. Finally, keep your face clean and dry, and try not to touch the treated areas until any infection risk passes.
Cheek Filler Swelling Stages
Most patients only notice minor swelling at the filler injection points. Right after treatment, you’ll see minimal swelling. This increases slightly over 24-48 hours, showing some redness and tenderness. Finally, mild swelling might last up to a week, but it shouldn’t hurt or look evident to others.
How Long Does Cheek Filler Last?
Your filler’s lifespan depends on the type used. Hyaluronic acid fillers like Juvederm or Restylane last 6 months to 2 years, depending on your body and how well you care for your skin. CaHA lasts about 15 months, PLLA works for two years or more, and PMMA can last several years.
Benefits of Cheek Fillers
We know this is a big decision. You’re thinking about the cost and possible side effects. If you want to change your cheeks but are still on the fence, consider these benefits:
- Non-surgical method: No cuts, stitches, or scarring.
- Immediate results: See changes right away with most fillers.
- Long-lasting: Enjoy results for months or years.
- Relatively inexpensive: Especially compared to surgery.
- Non-permanent: We can reverse or adjust the results if you change your mind.
- Low-risk: Few complications when done by professionals.
- Quick procedure: Treatment takes under an hour with minimal recovery time.
Cheek Filler Risks & Complications
Notice we said “low-risk” not “no-risk” in our benefits list. Every procedure has some risks. With fillers cheeks, most people only see minor side effects like bruising, swelling, and redness. In extremely rare cases, more serious issues can happen. The filler might leak into other areas. In the worst cases, usually linked to unlicensed providers, problems could include tissue damage from blocked blood flow or even vision issues.
At SpaMedica, we prevent these issues through strict safety protocols. In addition to that, proper training and deep knowledge of facial anatomy, as well as our safety record, speaks for itself. We also have plenty of positive injectable dermal filler reviews.
Cheek Fillers for Men in Toronto
Before you book your consultation, remember that cheek fillers aren’t just for women. In fact, very few cosmetic procedures limit themselves to one gender.
While some treatments, like lip fillers, attract more women, fillers in cheeks benefit everyone. Men often want different results – like sharper jawlines or filling age-related hollow areas. At SpaMedica, we understand these unique goals and know how to achieve them.
Why Choose SpaMedica?
Your first step toward fantastic cheek filler results starts now. And it entails choosing a trusted, experienced provider like SpaMedica. With over 22 years of experience in cosmetic injectables, we are the go-to destination in Toronto. Our team is comprised of board-certified plastic surgeons, dermatologists, and cosmetic nurses. All here to ensure your safety and satisfaction throughout your journey. Book your consultation today, and let’s discuss your goals!
Cheek Filler FAQ
What is the difference between cheek implants and fillers?
Cheek implants need surgery to place solid materials under your skin permanently. Fillers use injectable substances that eventually fade away. Fillers offer more flexibility, less downtime, and lower risks than implants.
Are cheek fillers dangerous?
When performed by qualified professionals, cheek fillers are very safe. Most people only experience minor swelling and bruising.
Can I sleep on my side after cheek fillers?
Wait at least 3-4 days before sleeping on your side after getting cheekbone fillers. This gives you enough filler settling time. Sleep on your back with your head slightly elevated for the best results. After the first week, you can return to your normal sleeping position.
