CHEEK FILLERS
As we age our faces 'deflate' like a balloon. A combination of tissue loss, ligament laxity and bone structure changes leads to hollows, most obviously seen under the eyes. This is what we mean as in cosmetic terminology as 'volume loss'. As the cheek volume disappears, the lower face starts to sag.
By re-contouring areas such as the cheeks, we can reverse volume loss and provide a better 3-D structure to support the mid and lower face. To reverse the giveaway signs of ageing, we don't simply fill a cheek. The days of over-filled and unnatural cheeks have gone. A cheek needs structure and so we use fillers to improve the contour of the cheek bones whilst adding subtle plumpness to the front of the cheek for more youth.
How are cheek fillers done?
Only the safest and most effective techniques are used (based on the MD codes) and usually a combination of a needle and a cannula will be used. A cannula is special blunt device that significantly reduces the chances of tissue injury and bruising when used to inject the face. Whatever method is used, the majority of filler is placed deep to avoid lumps or 'chipmunk cheeks' and give you the most natural-looking, chiselled cheek bones.
If you're considering treatment of your tear troughs, the vast majority of people benefit from improving their cheek structure first. Tear troughs are a sign of volume loss in the mid-face and need support from the surrounding tissues, even including the temple areas. Filling the tear trough areas without addressing the cheek is very commonly done by inexperienced injectors. It can lead to problems such as over filling, swelling, puffiness and a blue-tinge to the skin called the 'Tyndall effect'.