Cheek Fillers
Cheek fillers are one of the most popular non-invasive cosmetic procedures for facial rejuvenation at Dr. Michele Green’s New York City dermatology office. Cheek fillers are injected into the midface and cheek area to stimulate new collagen production, increase or replenish cheek volume, enhance the definition of bone structure, and eliminate other signs of aging. Collagen is an essential structural component in the skin, providing a firm foundation for a supple, smooth, youthful-looking complexion and diminishing fine lines and wrinkles. Over time, loss of volume and collagen in the cheek area can result in a hollowed or wrinkled appearance. Cheek filler treatments are one of the most highly sought-after cosmetic procedures for achieving facial rejuvenation without the need for plastic surgery or downtime.
The most popular dermal fillers for cheek augmentation are made of hyaluronic acid (HA), like Juvederm and Restylane. Hyaluronic acid fillers provide immediate, natural-looking results with few potential side effects. Other common dermal fillers for improving the appearance of the midface include collagen stimulators like Sculptra and Radiesse. Due to their non-invasive nature, cheek fillers can easily be combined with other non-surgical cosmetic procedures to target various signs of aging in a single appointment. Dr. Green utilizes many types of fillers, including Juvederm, Restylane, and Sculptra, to provide her patients with customized treatment plans that result in ideal pan-facial rejuvenation results and a natural-looking youthfulness.
Dr. Michele Green is an internationally renowned board-certified dermatologist with over two and a half decades of experience providing some of the world’s most discerning individuals with the best non-invasive cosmetic procedures, including dermal fillers. Regarding facial rejuvenation, Dr. Green takes a holistic approach and embraces a less-is-more philosophy, customizing each patient’s treatment plan to suit their particular skin concerns and aesthetic goals. She is consistently identified as one of New York’s best physicians by Castle Connolly, Super Doctors, and New York Magazine for her dedication to her patients and expertise.
What are cheek fillers?
Facial fillers are injectables for the enhancement of facial contours, the augmentation of certain features, the replenishment of volume loss, and the provision of a more youthful appearance. Dermal fillers are a non-invasive cosmetic procedure and a popular alternative to plastic surgery due to the consistently stunning facial rejuvenation results, lack of downtime, and ease of injections.
Cheek fillers are injected into the midface and cheek area to increase cheek volume, enhance the appearance of the cheekbones, and eliminate signs of aging such as marionette lines, nasolabial folds, and other facial fine lines. Many fillers are used for cheek augmentation, each with its unique composition and skin benefits. An expert injector, like Dr. Michele Green in NYC, will select the best cheek fillers for your facial rejuvenation plan depending on your facial anatomy, particular skin concerns, and personal aesthetic goals. This allows for a completely customizable approach and long-lasting, natural-looking results.
To guarantee safety, efficacy, and optimal cosmetic results, it is imperative that your cheek filler treatment is performed by an experienced injector with the knowledge and expertise required to select the most appropriate dermal filler products for your individual treatment. Dr. Green is an expert injector and board-certified dermatologist with over 25 years of experience providing her patients with the best cosmetic injectables NYC offers.
What do cheek fillers do?
Cheek fillers are used to replenish facial volume loss, enhance the definition of the facial bone structure, provide a lifting effect to the midface, reduce fine lines, and give an overall more youthful appearance. Loss of volume in the midface and the cheek area is often one of the first signs of aging and can cause a tired, gaunt look. Cheek fillers can reduce these signs of aging by increasing the amount of hyaluronic acid in the skin and stimulating the production of new collagen in the designated treatment areas. Hyaluronic acid is a naturally occurring substance that gives the skin essential hydration, contributing to its plumpness, suppleness, and smoothness. Collagen is an abundant skin protein and provides elasticity and firmness, acting as a structural support and preventing the skin from becoming loose, saggy, and wrinkled. By boosting the amount of hyaluronic acid and collagen in the skin, cheek fillers can effectively restore a natural-looking, youthful appearance without plastic surgery or downtime.
Sculptra 3 months before and after
Best types of fillers for cheek augmentation
Dr. Green uses several different types of fillers for cheek augmentation and facial rejuvenation. None of the cheek fillers available at Dr. Green’s private dermatology office are inherently “better” than another. Dr. Green considers each patient’s unique needs and aesthetic goals to determine which dermal fillers to use in their treatment plan. The most popular cheek fillers include:
Restylane Lyft – Restylane Lyft is a hyaluronic acid-based dermal filler created by the pharmaceutical company Galderma. The product was FDA-approved in 2015 to restore age-related volume loss in the midface. Restylane Lyft is the thickest dermal filler product from the Restylane family of hyaluronic acid fillers, making it ideal for enhancing bone structure, correcting loss of volume, and providing a lifting effect in the cheek area. Dr. Green also uses Restylane Lyft for reducing fine lines and chin and jawline enhancement, as this filler product has a distinct lifting ability often required to rejuvenate the lower face.
Juvederm Voluma – Juvederm Voluma is a hyaluronic acid filler produced by the cosmetic company Allergan. Since 2013, Juvederm Voluma has been FDA-approved to treat loss of volume and fine lines in the mid-face. Dr. Green was among the first dermatologists in NYC to offer Juvederm dermal fillers for facial rejuvenation. Juvederm Voluma is made with Allergan’s patented Vycross technology, resulting in reduced swelling and incredibly long-lasting results. In addition to cheek augmentation, Juvederm Voluma is used for chin and jawline enhancement.
Sculptra – Sculptra is a unique dermal filler composed of poly-L-lactic acid. Poly-l-lactic acid stimulates new collagen production in the treatment areas, gradually resulting in natural-looking enhancement. Sculptra was originally developed to treat facial volume loss in patients living with HIV. The facial rejuvenation results were so remarkable that Sculptra was FDA-approved for cosmetic purposes soon after. Typically, a short series of three Sculptra treatments is required to achieve ideal results, after which the cosmetic effects remain for up to two years. In addition to correcting volume loss in the midface, Sculptra is an excellent dermal filler product for reducing the appearance of acne scars and achieving non-surgical body contouring. For example, the Sculptra Brazilian Butt Lift is a popular non-surgical cosmetic procedure for buttocks enhancement.
Restylane Contour – Restylane Contour was FDA-approved for cheek augmentation in June 2021. Restylane Contour is made with Galderma’s proprietary XpresHAnn technology for cheek augmentation, allowing dynamic movement. The XpresHan technology makes Restylane Contour particularly well-suited for rejuvenating the mid-face and cheek area, as the flexibility of the dermal filler provides incredibly natural-looking cheek enhancement.
Radiesse – Radiesse is a dermal filler composed of Calcium hydroxylapatite (CaHA) microspheres. Radiesse stimulates new collagen production immediately upon injection, producing a smoother skin texture and restoring volume over time. Additionally, when the microsphere-containing CaHA gel is injected, healthy, new skin cells grow around the microspheres, resulting in volume enhancement. Radiesse produces long-lasting results, with effects that can remain visible for almost two years following the dermal filler treatment.
Consulting an experienced injector for cheek fillers, such as board-certified dermatologist Dr. Michele Green, is critical. Expertise in injection technique, qualities of the various dermal filler products, and facial anatomy are essential to guaranteeing that your cheek filler treatment is safe, effective, and provides optimal facial rejuvenation results. Dr. Green is an internationally renowned cosmetic dermatologist and expert injector who performs precise, customized dermal filler treatments for each patient to ensure the most stunning results, with patient safety and satisfaction as her primary concerns.
Who is a good candidate for cheek fillers?
A good candidate for cheek augmentation with dermal fillers is an individual at least 21 years of age, in overall good health, and seeking cosmetic enhancement of the midface and cheek area. A good candidate for cheek filler treatment also has realistic expectations regarding the facial rejuvenation results that can be achieved with dermal filler injections. Cheek filler treatment is a cosmetic procedure suitable for those looking to enhance the definition of their bone structure, add or replenish cheek volume, or reduce other signs of aging, like fine lines. Breastfeeding and pregnant individuals should not be treated with cheek fillers. You may not be a candidate for cheek filler treatment if you have a bleeding disorder or a history of allergic reactions to dermal filler products. Board-certified dermatologist Dr. Michele Green is an expert injector. During your initial cheek filler consultation with her at her private dermatology office in NYC, she will collect a thorough medical history and review your personal aesthetic goals to determine which treatment plan is right for you.
What is cheek filler treatment like?
The first step is consulting an expert injector, such as board-certified dermatologist Dr. Michele Green in NYC. During your consultation, you will have the opportunity to discuss your specific concerns and ideal aesthetic results. Photos of the treatment area will be taken for your private medical record to enhance your discussion and track future progress. Dr. Green will collect a thorough medical history, review any previous cosmetic procedures you may have had in the past, and physically assess the cheek area and midface. If you are a good candidate for cheek filler treatment, Dr. Green will work with you to develop a timeline for your dermal filler injections.
On the day of your cheek filler treatment, a topical numbing cream should be applied to the midface and cheek area one hour before your injections. Once you arrive at Dr. Green’s dermatology office for your cheek fillers, the numbing cream will be removed and the skin sterilized. Dr. Green will then artfully perform the cheek filler injections according to your treatment plan. Ice packs will be applied to the injection sites immediately after the dermal filler injections to minimize side effects like bruising and swelling. Dr. Green may ask you to return for a follow-up evaluation two weeks after your cheek filler treatment to assess the results and determine whether any touch-up is needed.
What to expect after cheek fillers
Dermal filler treatment with an expert injector like Dr. Green is quick, straightforward, and has few potential side effects. The most common side effects of cheek filler treatment are mild swelling and bruising at or near the injection sites. Swelling in these areas may resemble small lumps or bumps. Should any such bumps be observed after your dermal filler injections, there is no cause for concern as they should resolve independently within 1-2 weeks. Other possible effects may include bruising of the treatment area, redness, and soreness. Depending on the type of filler used, facial rejuvenation results may be observable immediately after the injections (such as with hyaluronic acid fillers) or take longer to develop (as with Sculptra). If you have any questions or concerns after cheek filler treatment with Dr. Green, please don’t hesitate to contact our office.
How long does it take for cheek fillers to settle?
When dermal filler “settles,” it means that the filler becomes integrated with the skin tissue in the treatment area, resulting in the final effects of the cosmetic procedure becoming fully visible. It can take up to two weeks for cheek fillers to settle completely. In the two weeks it takes the dermal filler to settle, patients may experience mild side effects, such as swelling, redness, and bruising at or near the injection sites. However, these side effects will resolve themselves on their own within one to two weeks of the filler treatment.
Juvederm Ultra Plus – 1 syringe, and Voluma – 2 syringes: 2 months before and after
How long do cheek fillers last?
On average, cheek fillers produce facial rejuvenation results that last nine months to 2 years. The amount and type of filler used for your cheek augmentation will impact the longevity of the results. Hyaluronic acid fillers, such as Juvederm and Restylane, typically last six to twelve months. Most patients have hyaluronic acid cheek filler treatments semiannually to annually to maintain the best results. Sculptra and Radiesse are dermal filler products with results lasting up to two years. Although these cheek fillers are somewhat longer lasting, many patients still have annual treatment sessions, as Sculptra and Radiesse are collagen stimulators that produce gradual facial rejuvenation results. When you consult with board-certified dermatologist Dr. Michele Green at her private NYC office, she will work with you to establish a timeline for your cheek filler treatment sessions best suited to your particular needs and goals.
What to do after cheek fillers
After cheek filler treatment, patients should follow the aftercare protocol instructions provided by Dr. Green. The specific aftercare instructions may vary depending on the type of dermal filler used for your cheek augmentation. Hyaluronic acid dermal filler injections have slightly different aftercare instructions than cheek fillers made of other substances like poly-L-lactic acid (Sculptra). For example, treatment areas injected with Sculptra must be massaged several times a day for several days. Massaging Sculptra ensures even product distribution and induces collagen production equally throughout the treatment area. On the other hand, hyaluronic acid cheek fillers do not need to be massaged for optimal results. In addition to following the aftercare protocol, Dr. Green may ask you to return to her NYC dermatology office two weeks after your initial cheek filler treatment so she can evaluate the results of your dermal filler injections and determine if any touch-up is required. Another follow-up appointment should be scheduled for six months to one year later to maintain the best overall facial rejuvenation results.
What not to do after cheek fillers
Cheek filler treatment is a straightforward, non-invasive cosmetic procedure for facial rejuvenation that involves little preparation and has few aftercare requirements. Dr. Green will provide all the pertinent aftercare information required for achieving and maintaining ideal cosmetic results, depending on the specific type of filler used for your non-surgical cheek augmentation. Some general aftercare advisements include refraining from applying makeup or touching the injection sites for at least 24 hours, avoiding strenuous exercise for 48 hours, abstaining from alcohol consumption for several days, discontinuing blood-thinning medications or supplements for several days, and avoiding putting pressure directly on the treatment area. If you have any specific questions or concerns regarding the aftercare protocol for your cheek filler treatment, be sure to discuss them with Dr. Green during your appointment.
Can you use skincare and makeup after cheek fillers?
To reduce the risk of infection after cheek filler treatment, it is important to keep the skin clear and dry. While you can return to most of your regularly scheduled activities immediately after filler treatment, Dr. Green recommends waiting several hours before applying makeup or other skincare products, such as lotion or sunscreen.
Can you exercise after cheek fillers?
Refraining from strenuous exercise for 48 hours after cheek filler treatment is recommended to prevent worsening swelling at the injection sites and reduce the risk of infection. Activities that increase your body temperature can exacerbate swelling, so avoiding using saunas and steam rooms for 48 hours after your cheek filler treatment is also advised. After 48 hours, you can return to your regular exercise routine when the highest risk of infection has passed.
How to sleep after cheek fillers
Following dermal filler treatment, avoiding putting pressure directly on the treatment area is important. Rubbing or massaging the injection site can increase the risk of hyaluronic acid filler migration, potentially decreasing the treatment’s effects and possibly leading to more serious side effects. As such, Dr. Green recommends sleeping on your back in the days following the cheek filler treatment to avoid putting too much pressure on the cheek area when you sleep.
How much cheek filler do I need?
The amount of cheek filler needed for a given patient will vary depending on their face shape, the type and severity of the skin concerns being addressed, and their aesthetic goals. During your initial facial rejuvenation consultation with Dr. Green, she will physically assess the treatment area and determine approximately how much cheek filler will be needed for your goals. Typically, patients require a total of between 2 to 4 syringes of dermal fillers to achieve optimal results, with 1-3 mL of cheek filler per cheek. Cheek filler treatment is temporary, and most patients have maintenance treatments of dermal filler injections every six to twelve months for the best effects.
How often do I need to get cheek fillers?
While the longevity of your cheek fillers will vary depending on the amount and type of filler used for your treatment and your individual metabolism, it is best to maintain your cosmetic results with a regular filler appointment on an annual or bi-annual treatment session. Most patients elect to engage in a “touch-up” treatment annually, at minimum, to maintain optimal facial rejuvenation results. During your consultation with Dr. Green, you can establish a timeline for your cheek filler treatments that will guarantee you the ideal aesthetic results over the long term.
How much do cheek fillers cost?
Cheek augmentation with dermal filler can range in price greatly depending on several contributing factors. The total cost of your cheek filler treatment will be influenced by the amount of dermal filler product needed and the type of filler (hyaluronic acid or alternative formulation) selected. Other factors that influence the total cost include the geographic location of the medical office where you are treated and the experience level of your injector. When you work with Dr. Green, she will create a custom facial rejuvenation treatment plan that balances your budget with your desired cheek augmentation outcome. After your initial consultation, Dr. Green’s office will be able to provide you with a more accurate estimate of the treatment cost based on your treatment plan.
Cheek augmentation with dermal fillers is generally more affordable than surgical cheek augmentation options. Most patients prefer facial rejuvenation treatment with hyaluronic acid dermal fillers since they can be as effective as cheek augmentation surgery, save time and money, and eliminate risk and recovery time. Generally, dermal filler injections for cheek augmentation range from $1,200 to $2,000. The cost is competitive compared to surgical cheek augmentation, which can cost upwards of $5,000.
Does cheek filler improve the jawline? Do cheek fillers lift jowls?
Yes! Having cheek filler treatment can improve the appearance of sagging jowls along the jawline. While injecting the cheek area with dermal fillers can help provide the lower face with a lifted appearance, patients should not rely on cheek filler treatment alone to correct the appearance of skin laxity in the lower face- including sagging jowls. For patients concerned about skin laxity, Dr. Green often recommends combining their cheek filler treatment with a skin-tightening procedure, the most popular option being the Thermage. Thermage is the gold standard cosmetic procedure for non-surgical skin tightening. A single treatment session results in firmer, smoother, tighter skin, with results lasting up to two years.
Do cheek fillers help nasolabial folds?
Nasolabial folds, also known as laugh lines or smile lines, are wrinkles that form from the side of the nose down to the corners of your mouth. Deep nasolabial folds may be genetic or develop due to decreased collagen and elastin production, causing the skin to lose structure and wrinkles to become etched into the skin. Fortunately, dermal fillers can reduce the appearance of nasolabial folds. In fact, nasolabial folds are one of the most common signs of aging to be treated with dermal filler injections. Careful placement of dermal fillers can eliminate or reduce nasolabial folds for an overall more youthful appearance.
Does cheek filler help under eye bags?
Depending on the anatomy of the undereye hollows, cheek filler may improve the appearance of undereye bags. Cheek fillers can be placed into hollows called malar grooves, reducing the visibility of deep creases that can cast shadows beneath the eyes, resulting in a rejuvenated undereye appearance. Injecting a hyaluronic acid filler into this depression can provide the volume needed to erase the shadow underneath the eyes and result in a revitalized, rejuvenated, more youthful appearance. If the eye bags are present due to excess skin, injecting dermal filler into the area can worsen their appearance. Patients with undereye bags that are caused by excess skin in the area would benefit most from plastic surgery to remove the skin. For this reason, it is essential to consult with a board-certified dermatologist, like Dr. Michele Green in New York City, who has the expertise and experience to discern whether or not you are an appropriate candidate for cheek fillers to correct the appearance of under-eye bags. If you are not a candidate for undereye dermal filler injections, Dr. Green will refer you to a trusted board-certified plastic surgeon for a consultation.
Thermage with Voluma and Restylane Lyft
Do cheek fillers lift your face?
Cheek fillers lift the midface and replenish cheek volume, creating a more youthful appearance. Cheek fillers also enhance the definition of the bone structure and provide a smoother skin texture for an overall more youthful appearance. While the facial rejuvenation effects of cheek filler treatment will not be as dramatic as that of a surgical facelift, patients enjoy the fact that their cheek fillers are customizable, can be adapted to their evolving aesthetic tastes over time, and require little, if any recovery time. When you consult with Dr. Green regarding cheek enhancement, you can discuss your personal aesthetic goals. Dr. Green will inform you as to whether cheek filler treatment will provide you with the lift you want or whether another cosmetic procedure would be better suited to the facial rejuvenation results you seek.
Combining cheek fillers with other non-invasive cosmetic procedures
Dermal fillers are an excellent treatment option for the enhancement of facial contours, the augmentation of certain features, the replenishment of volume loss, and the provision of a more youthful appearance. Dermal fillers are a non-invasive cosmetic procedure and a popular alternative to plastic surgery due to the consistently stunning facial rejuvenation results, lack of downtime, and ease of injections. Dermal filler injections can easily be paired with other non-invasive cosmetic procedures to achieve pan-facial rejuvenation or a non-surgical facelift. Many patients interested in cheek enhancement may show other signs of aging, such as dynamic fine lines, pigmentation issues, skin laxity, or sun damage. Dr. Michele Green offers an array of non-invasive cosmetic procedures at her private dermatology office. She will work with you to develop a treatment plan for your cosmetic concerns.
Botox is the gold standard for preventing and eliminating dynamic fine lines. Dynamic fine lines are those that form over time due to repetitive facial expressions, most commonly affecting the glabella (between the brows), forehead, and crow’s feet (corners of the eyes). Botox is an injectable neurotoxin that ‘freezes’ targeted facial muscles, preventing their contraction and resulting in a smoother skin texture. The effects of Botox take up to two weeks to kick in and last for up to four months. Most patients have Botox injections every 3-4 months to maintain the best effects. Dr. Green is an Allergan platinum injector, providing what has been described as the “best Botox injections in New York.” Many patients have Botox and dermal filler injections in the same appointment to target age-related and dynamic fine lines.
Fraxel is a skin resurfacing laser treatment often referred to as the ‘magic eraser’ by Dr. Green for its unique ability to target a wide range of skin concerns. The Fraxel Dual laser used by Dr. Green operates on two distinct wavelengths of light, allowing it to improve skin texture and tone. Fraxel relies on fractional laser technology to stimulate new collagen production in the treatment areas. Since the skin’s surface is left intact, minimal downtime is involved, with most patients experiencing mild side effects like swelling, redness, and tenderness in the treatment area for about two days. Most patients require three treatment sessions, each spaced one month apart, to achieve optimal facial rejuvenation results with Fraxel.
Thermage is the gold standard for non-invasive skin tightening. This laser treatment relies on radiofrequency energy to stimulate new collagen production, resulting in smoother, firmer, tighter skin. There is zero downtime involved with Thermage, meaning patients can resume their normal daily activities immediately after the procedure is complete. In addition to treating the midface, Thermage can be used to improve skin elasticity in the lower face, neck, chest, decolletage, upper arms, abdomen, thighs, and buttocks. The effects of Thermage last up to two years, with most patients engaging in an annual maintenance treatment to keep up the best effects.
What do cheek fillers look like?
When an expert injector like Dr. Green performs your cheek filler treatment, the result is a firmer, smoother skin texture and a subtle, youthful fullness. Cosmetic enhancement with dermal fillers should not be obvious or overdone. In fact, it should be difficult to tell if someone has cheek fillers if you are not a professional injector. If the dermal filler injections are poorly performed, patients may observe facial asymmetry, persistent puffiness or swelling, or an unnatural appearance.
How to tell if someone has cheek fillers
When an experienced board-certified dermatologist performs dermal filler injections, it is a challenge to know for certain whether someone has had cheek fillers unless you have the trained eye of an expert injector. Cheek fillers that are obvious or overdone are typically a result of poor injection technique or the use of too much dermal filler product, which is why it is critical to have dermal filler injections with an expert injector like board-certified dermatologist Dr. Green in New York City.
What would I look like with cheek fillers?
The best dermal filler injections should not be obviously apparent or look overdone. Cheek fillers, along with other types of facial fillers, should result in natural-looking enhancement. Dr. Green’s artistic background allows her to beautifully marry the science of dermal filler injections and the artistry of aesthetics to provide her patients with stunning, natural-looking, and long-lasting cheek filler results. For over two decades, Dr. Green has provided the best cosmetic filler treatments in NYC for some of the most discerning men and women worldwide. When you work with Dr. Green, she will carefully customize your dermal filler treatment so that you get the most amazing facial rejuvenation results.
Should I get cheek fillers?
Cheek filler treatment is a great cosmetic procedure to reduce fine lines, enhance bone structure, or restore volume to the midface area. Dr. Green can help you determine a facial rejuvenation treatment plan aptly suited to your facial structure and cosmetic goals. Should you decide that cheek filler treatment is something you want to do, Dr. Green offers several different cheek filler products to ensure you get the most natural-looking, long-lasting, optimal results. There are minimal side effects associated with cheek filler treatment and zero downtime involved whatsoever. If you are unsure as to whether or not you should get cheek fillers, schedule a consultation with Dr. Green, an expert injector who can recommend the combination of treatments that will serve you best so that you’ll look and feel like the best version of yourself.
Plastic Surgery vs Dermal Fillers for Cheek Augmentation
For most, non-surgical cheek augmentation is the ideal approach. Surgical cheek augmentation involves an invasive cosmetic procedure during which a plastic surgeon places synthetic cheek implants in the midface. Plastic surgery results are permanent and difficult to alter over time as one’s individual tastes and preferences change, as the only way to manipulate the implants is with further plastic surgery. On the other hand, dermal fillers are semi-permanent, adaptable, produce immediate facial rejuvenation results, are more affordable, and require no downtime. For these reasons, many patients seeking cheek augmentation prefer non-invasive dermal filler treatment for facial rejuvenation. If you want to restore lost volume in the midface, enhance facial contour for the appearance of more prominent cheekbones, or smooth away fine lines and wrinkles, schedule a consultation with expert injector Dr. Michele Green in NYC. Dr. Green will work with you to determine whether you are a good candidate for facial rejuvenation with cheek fillers. If you are not a suitable candidate for cheek filler treatment, Dr. Green will refer you to a trusted board-certified plastic surgeon to consult for a surgical facelift.
How to know which injectable filler is right for your cheek augmentation
Many dermal filler products on the market can be used to perform cheek augmentation. The best facial filler for your cheek filler treatment will ultimately depend on your facial structure, the cheek augmentation results you seek, the severity of your skin laxity, and the types of fine lines being treated. Dr. Green is an expert in facial rejuvenation treatments, with over 25 years of experience treating her patients with the best cosmetic injectables available. During your consultation with her in her private NYC dermatology office, she will evaluate the texture and resilience of your skin and provide appropriate treatment recommendations based on what she deems will provide you with the best overall cosmetic results.
Sculptra and Restylane – 4 months
Are cheek fillers safe?
Yes! Cheek filler treatment is a safe and effective non-surgical cosmetic procedure for facial rejuvenation when dermal filler injections are performed in a medical setting with a board-certified dermatologist, such as Dr. Michele Green, in New York City. The dermal filler treatment process is straightforward for an experienced and knowledgeable injector like Dr. Green. The risk of encountering unwanted side effects or poor cosmetic results increases when having filler treatment in a medical spa setting or elsewhere outside the office of a board-certified dermatologist or plastic surgeon. A thorough anatomical understanding is essential, as serious negative side effects, such as injection into a blood vessel, can occur otherwise. Dr. Green is a board-certified dermatologist with over 25 years of experience providing her patients with the best non-surgical cosmetic procedures for beautiful, natural-looking, long-lasting facial rejuvenation results. When you choose to work with an expert injector like Dr. Green, you guarantee that your dermal filler treatment is centered around patient safety and satisfaction.
Do cheek fillers hurt?
No, the process of having dermal filler injections is quick and relatively painless. The injectable fillers used by Dr. Green at her private dermatology office in NYC are compounded with lidocaine, a local anesthetic, to enhance patient comfort during the filler treatment. Additionally, Dr. Green prescribes a topical numbing cream that should be applied to the entire treatment area one hour before dermal filler injections. Once you arrive at Dr. Green’s office in the Upper East Side, the numbing cream will be removed and the skin sterilized in preparation for the dermal filler treatment.
Do cheek fillers swell?
Mild swelling at or near the injection sites is a potential side effect of cheek filler treatment. This side effect typically resolves on its own shortly after dermal filler injections but can take up to two weeks to subside completely. Once the dermal filler injections are finished, ice packs are applied to the treatment area directly to minimize swelling. Dr. Green asks that her patients treated with dermal fillers return to her NYC office for a follow-up appointment once they have fully settled for her to evaluate the results, determine whether or not any touch-ups are required, and plan the next appointment for maintenance should any be needed.
Do cheek fillers bruise?
Bruising at or near the injection sites is another common side effect of dermal filler injections. Bruising is a potential side effect of any injectable treatment, and dermal filler injections are no exception. However, patients can reduce their risk of bruising by avoiding alcohol consumption and refraining from taking blood-thinning medications or supplements in the two weeks before and after their cheek filler treatment. Bruising, swelling, redness, and any other mild side effects of the cheek fillers will disappear within 1-2 weeks after receiving filler treatment.
How to reduce swelling and bruising after cheek filler treatment
One of the best ways to reduce swelling after dermal filler injections is directly applying an ice pack to the treatment area immediately after the cosmetic procedure. When you have cheek filler treatment with Dr. Green at her private dermatology office in Manhattan’s Upper East Side neighborhood, ice packs will be applied to the area to minimize initial swelling. A cold compress can be used intermittently following the filler treatment as the patient desires for their comfort. Strenuous exercise should be avoided for at least 48 hours following cheek filler treatment, as increasing one’s body temperature can worsen swelling near the injection sites and increase the risk of infection. In the same nature, warm showers are preferable over hot showers.
Dr. Green recommends that patients take Tylenol for pain relief in the two weeks before and after their cheek filler treatment rather than use pain medications such as Ibuprofen or Advil, which are blood thinners and may worsen the potential side effects of swelling and bruising. It is also advised to avoid other blood-thinning vitamins, supplements, and medications to minimize swelling and bruising. Arnika Forte is an herbal supplement that can be used topically or orally to help further prevent bruising and swelling and is available at the dermatology office of Dr. Green.
Do cheek fillers migrate?
Filler migration is an exceptionally rare side effect in any case of dermal filler injections. Cheek filler, in particular, is less likely to migrate than dermal fillers placed in areas of the face such as the lips and under-eyes. Dermal filler migration is most likely to occur when an inexperienced or unqualified injector performs the injections. Using too much dermal filler product or an inappropriate injection technique may result in dermal filler migration. For this reason, it is imperative that your dermal filler injections are done by a board-certified dermatologist who has both the experience and expertise required to provide optimal results, such as Dr. Green in New York.
If you’ve had hyaluronic acid fillers that have migrated, resulting in asymmetry, nodules, or another poor cosmetic result, Dr. Green can dissolve the dermal filler product with hyaluronidase injections. Hyaluronidase is an enzyme that breaks down hyaluronic acid and can be used to reverse the effects of HA filler treatment. Sometimes, more than one session of hyaluronidase injections may be required, depending on the amount of dermal filler that was initially injected (more dermal filler product needs a greater amount of hyaluronidase to dissolve fully).
Can cheek fillers cause headaches?
Headaches are not a typical side effect of cheek filler treatment. It is more likely that a headache would develop as a side effect after cosmetic injections in the temples. Many patients, however, experience feelings of anxiety leading up to their dermal filler treatment appointment, which may induce headaches. Should you experience this side effect after your cheek filler treatment, the headache usually subsides on its own within several hours of onset. However, it can take up to several days for complete resolution. Following dermal filler treatment, Dr. Green recommends Tylenol for pain relief rather than Ibuprofen, Aspirin, and Advil, which are blood thinners and can exacerbate swelling. If you experience a persistent or severe headache after having cheek filler injections, alert your physician, who can recommend the next best steps.
Can cheek fillers cause sinus problems?
Sinus issues are not an established side effect of cheek filler treatment. Sometimes, patients experience swelling in the midface and cheek area after cheek filler treatment, which may be confused for sinus pressure. However, cheek fillers do not cause sinus infections or other such complications.
Are cheek fillers dangerous?
When you have dermal filler treatment with an experienced board-certified dermatologist, such as Dr. Green in NYC, the procedure is a safe and effective option for non-surgical rejuvenation. Having dermal fillers with an expert injector significantly reduces the risk of encountering adverse events and unwanted side effects. The most common side effects of cheek fillers include mild swelling, bruising, and tenderness at or near the injection sites, which typically resolve independently shortly after injections. More serious side effects can occur when an inexperienced or unqualified injector performs cheek filler treatment. For example, the inadvertent injection of dermal filler into a blood vessel can cause side effects such as blindness, stroke, and necrosis of skin tissue.
How do I get started with cheek fillers today?
Cheek fillers are a popular non-invasive cosmetic procedure for facial rejuvenation. Cheek fillers are injected into the midface and cheek area to increase cheek volume, enhance bone structure, and eliminate other signs of aging. Many fillers are used for cheek augmentation, each with its unique composition and skin benefits. An expert injector, like Dr. Michele Green in NYC, will select the best cheek fillers for your facial rejuvenation plan depending on your facial anatomy, particular skin concerns, and personal aesthetic goals. This allows for a completely customizable approach and long-lasting, natural-looking results.
Dr. Michele Green is an internationally renowned board-certified dermatologist with over two and a half decades of experience providing some of the globe’s most discerning individuals with the best non-invasive cosmetic procedures, including cheek fillers. Dr. Green takes a holistic approach and embraces a less-is-more philosophy regarding facial rejuvenation, customizing each patient’s treatment plan best to suit their particular skin concerns and aesthetic goals. She is consistently identified as one of New York’s best physicians by Super Doctors, Castle Connolly, and New York Magazine for her dedication to her patients and expertise. To start your non-invasive facial rejuvenation journey and learn more about cheek filler treatment, schedule a consultation with Dr. Green by contacting us online or calling the office at 212-535-3088.