Which dermal fillers work best for cheeks?

At some point during our forties, our face will start to flatten and lose volume. As with most other aspects of ageing, it’s something we barely notice at first; and it happens when those balloon-like fat pads that support the face and keep the skin nice and taut start to deflate gradually. As they do, the cheeks will begin to appear flatter, or possibly, a bit hollow, and the skin may start to hang over the lines between your nose and mouth.

If you’ve started to notice these changes, you may be wondering if there’s anything you can do to regain this lost volume. Believe it or not, a drop of filler in the cheeks may be the solution. Techniques have come a long way over recent years and adding a judicious amount of filler – just 1ml, maybe less – at just the right spot in each cheek creates the small amount of lift needed to soften the nose-to-mouth lines and gently redefine the curve of the cheek.

And, it isn’t just the technique used by injectors that have developed considerably over the last decade – the variety of filler options available have and continue to skyrocket. With such a wide range of options available, patients can often feel confused and overwhelmed – how are you supposed to know which is best for you and your specific goals? Ultimately, that’s the injector’s responsibility, but it’s still important to do your research. Here are four points to consider when reviewing your choices.

Is this your first time? 

 If it’s your first time exploring the world of injectables, one of the most important factors to consider is whether the product is dissolvable or not. Only hyaluronic acid fillers can be dissolved, including brands like Juvederm and Restylane.

Using a dissolvable filler will ensure you have the option to remove it (via injection of an enzyme called hyaluronidase which will break down the product) if, for any reason, you don’t like the result, experience a complication or the placement is incorrect.

What is your budget?

Dermal fillers can be pricey, and costs vary based on the brand, where you’re based, and your practitioner’s level of expertise. It’s important to discuss your budget with your injector during your consultation as they can then apply your treatment plan to your budget, taking into account the price of maintenance visits down the line.

Don’t make your final decision based on price as your face is worth far more than a price tag. If your practitioner knows your budget, they may break down your treatment plan into stages, allowing you to spread out the treatments and the cost but still achieve the same final result.

How long would you like your filler to last?

On average, hyaluronic acid fillers last between 6 months and two years. However, gradually the full effect will start to decline as the body metabolises it. For this reason, you shouldn’t wait for the filler to completely breakdown before having your next treatment. Consistent maintenance treatments every six months will keep the results at their best and are much more cost-effective in the long run.

It’s also worth considering the filler’s placement when estimating its longevity. Filler placed in the mid-cheek where there isn’t much movement will last a lot longer than filler that’s placed in areas of frequent movement such as the lips or the smile lines around the mouth.

Are you looking for a subtle or dramatic result?

Every filler varies not only in its formulation and longevity but also in its results. ‘Subtle’ and ‘natural’ are the most common requests we see from first-time patients. Lightweight products such as Juvederm Volift in the cheeks are excellent for younger patients who still have a lot of natural volume or those looking for a lighter touch.

But, if ageing is a big concern, both Juvederm Voluma and Juvederm Volux are thicker products that can really give a wow factor whilst still maintaining a natural result. These are especially good options for those looking to lift the cheekbones, add structure to the face and soften nose-to-mouth lines.

Click here to discover more about Dermal Fillers and if it’s the right treatment for you.