Cheek Fillers

Cheek Filler Raleigh, NC

When examining facial contours, the cheeks are one of the most important features of the midface. They help define your facial features and shape. Changes in cheek density and position are a telltale sign of aging and often one of the earliest ones. Restoring volume loss in the cheeks can not only provide more definition but can also contribute to looking younger. The Jindal Institute for Youthful Aging supplies the best cheek filler Raleigh has to offer.

Cheek Filler: An Overview

Cheek filler is a temporary way to add volume to and augment the cheeks. The non-surgical procedure consists of injections along the natural anatomy of the cheek. While hyaluronic acid fillers are the most popular choice, there are many other filler options for cheek enhancement. Additionally, cheek implants and fat fillers are permanent ways to achieve augmented cheeks. Cheek implants are not overly common and not recommended for everyone.

Largely considered a safe and effective procedure, cheek fillers are one of the first procedures used to treat midface sagging and loss of volume before resorting to surgery. Dr. Jindal can present several non-surgical procedures that can help you restore and maintain a youthful cheek appearance.

Volume Loss In The Cheeks

With age, the natural fat in the face thins out. This is first seen during puberty and the early twenties when the face loses the fat it held as a child. Over time, this process continues, albeit at a slower rate.

By the time people reach their late thirties, they often notice some volume loss in the midface. Of course, this is natural and mostly unavoidable. However, aging is not the only cause of volume loss in the cheeks. Other contributing factors include:

  • Weight loss or fluctuation
  • Genetics
  • Reduction in collagen production
  • Smoking
  • Injuries to the cheek area
  • Hormonal changes or disorders
  • Sun damage
  • Certain medications
  • Prolonged stress and/or lack of sleep
Often, multiple factors influence facial fat loss throughout our lives. Fillers can help restore a youthful look and bring definition back to the face. Some may simply be born without defined cheeks and cheek filler can help align the facial features by adding definition.

Benefits

Non-surgical cheek augmentation carries many benefits, including more than just cosmetic benefits. Some of the benefits and advantages of cheek filler are:

  • Higher cheek projection
  • Balanced facial features
  • Slimmer looking face
  • Younger appearance
  • Correction of age-related fat loss
  • Smooth nasolabial folds (smile lines)
  • Enhance existing bone structure
  • Address fine lines and wrinkles
  • Reduce the appearance of facial or acne scarring
  • Correct volume loss due to major diseases such as HIV or previous cancer treatment
  • Hide shadows under the eyes and on the upper cheeks
  • Increase collagen production (some promote a long term increase in collagen)
  • Quick procedure
  • Little to no pain
  • No major downtime
  • Instant results
  • Natural looking and feeling results
  • Safe
  • Easily administered with other injections
  • Long lasting results
  • Subtle or dramatic results are possible
  • Performed by an experienced provider and oculoplastic surgeon

Types Of Cheek Filler & Injections

The Jindal Institute of Youthful Aging values a holistic approach to cosmetic treatments. Therefore, Dr. Jindal and his team offer a variety of treatments for non-surgical cheek enhancement that go beyond traditional fillers.

Hyaluronic Acid Fillers

Hyaluronic acid fillers such as Restylane and Juvederm are the most popular and widely used filler for cheek enhancement. The soft consistency and versatility of these types of fillers do offer a great option for cheek fillers. Recently, Restylane Contour was FDA-approved and introduced as the only filler made specifically for the cheeks. Other cheek fillers include Restylane Lyft and Juvéderm Voluma.

Made of a substance found naturally in the body, hyaluronic acid fillers have a low rejection and allergic reaction rate. Most people tolerate the filler itself and the injections well.

Semi-Permanent Fillers

Semi-permanent fillers refer to a class of dermal fillers made from non-dissolvable substances that usually last between two and four years. Sculptra and Radiesse are the two best known examples of semi-permanent cheek fillers. Often, these options are explored for patients who have a more chronic facial fat loss problem such as patients with HIV or those who have used cheek fillers for years and want something that lasts longer.

Unlike hyaluronic acid fillers, these fillers are not dissolvable. Therefore, it is best to see an experienced provider, preferably a surgeon, who specializes in the placement of semi-permanent fillers.

Plasma

Plasma injections were first used to accelerate the healing and reduce the pain of soft tissue and muscle injuries in sports medicine. Due to the increased collagen production and healing properties that plasma creates, it then began to benefit people in the aesthetic industry as well.

When injected into the cheeks, it stimulates your body to begin a healing response. Over time, this can help create natural tissue and volumize the cheeks. This is a much more time-consuming, subtle, and not guaranteed process. However, it is a great place to start and can even benefit people who have dermal fillers.

Fat

Fat transfer to the cheeks is not exactly non-surgical, but it is still less invasive than placing cheek implants. The only surgical aspect of the procedure involves liposuction to harvest the fat, all of which Dr. Jindal can perform under local anesthesia. After cleaning the fat, Dr. Jindal will then use a standard cannula or needle to inject the fat into the cheeks. Once the fat creates a blood supply, it is essentially like all other fat on your body. Therefore, the procedure is mostly permanent without any major changes in weight or health.Like plasma, the fat comes from your body which reduces many risks seen with traditional facial fillers. However, fat cheek filler does carry risks and is not for everyone. Dr. Jindal can discuss during a consultation if he believes fat transfer is viable for your cheek enhancement.

Frequently Asked Questions

Dermal fillers are injected using two different types of needles. First, a traditional needle that has one sharp end and is fairly thin. Used for decades to inject filler, it does cause some trauma to the skin and can accidentally puncture structures under the skin. This is a risk for occlusion, one of the worse complications of filler injections. While rare, a regular needle does come with a higher risk of this occurring.

Second, a blunt cannula involves using a slightly thicker, hollow cannula with a blunt end. An initial needle stick creates the opening and then Dr. Jindal inserts the cannula beneath the skin. Cannulas cause less damage and are much less likely to puncture anything it is not supposed to.

Dr. Jindal is skilled in both techniques and may recommend one over the other in certain situations. If you have a preference or questions, discuss them during your consultation.

Overall, cheek fillers are not too painful. Many patients do not even need topical numbing cream, though it is available. Sometimes, pain the day after the injections can be worse than the initial injections. Still, this can generally be treated with Tylenol and icing if okayed by your provider.
In ideal situations, patients will take some precautions and make preparations for their procedures. While this is not always possible, it can reduce side effects and risks during and after the procedure. Some ways you can prepare for cheek filler treatment include:
  • Do not wear makeup to your appointment
  • Avoid NSAIDs and blood thinning medications and supplements for a few days (if possible)
  • Do not drink alcohol for at least a day before your injections
  • Skip caffeine the day of your procedure
  • Do some research about your filler options
 After cheek filler, you can return to work and daily activities immediately. However, you may have to make some alterations to promote optimal healing and settling of the filler.
  • Sleep on your back
  • Do not touch or massage the area unless instructed
  • Continue avoiding NSAIDs and blood thinning medications and supplements for a few days
  • Do not partake in strenuous exercise
  • Avoid sweating and hot, wet environments (saunas, hot tubs, etc.)
It can, yes, though not always. Sometimes hollows under the eyes extend or are primarily located just above the cheeks, augmenting the cheeks can help fill this area. Other times, a patient may benefit more from tear trough fillers or a combination of both. It ultimately comes down to each individual’s anatomy and goals.

Filler migration is rare, but can happen. This is when the filler moves from where it was placed and into other areas of the face. If this happens—as long as it is hyaluronic acid fillers—he can immediately dissolve the fillers and reinject them if desired. Migration rarely occurs and can be prevented by:

  • Not touching or rubbing the filler within two weeks of injection
  • Laying on your back during the healing process
  • Letting Dr. Jindal know of any previous injuries or operations in the area
  • Follow all post-procedure instructions
The Best Non-Surgical Cheek Augmentation In Raleigh

Enhancing the face with surgical or non-surgical treatments requires a skilled and experienced provider. Dr. Jindal is an oculoplastic and facial cosmetic surgeon who focuses purely on eyelid and facial surgeries. Having experience on both the medical and cosmetic side of facial surgeries and treatments, Dr. Jindal is uniquely qualified when it comes to dermal filler injections. The Jindal Institute for Youthful Aging offers the best cheek filler Raleigh provides.

Along with his technical skill, Dr. Jindal prefers to take a holistic approach when treating his patients. Instead of jumping to the most invasive procedures, he will discuss all the possibilities, including lifestyle changes or at-home treatments when applicable. Dr. Jindal also offers completely natural treatments such as plasma and fat injections.

To learn more and schedule a consultation, call us at (919) 929-6006. You can also reach out online via Price Simulator or contact form.