Cheek Filler Sarasota | Sarasota Surgical Arts

The midface is an important structural element for the aesthetics of the face. When the cheeks become either sunken or too plump, this can affect the overall appearance and shape of the face. With a slim, contoured face in fashion and only so much achievable with makeup, many people turn to cosmetic treatments to get the perfectly sculpted cheeks. A few decades ago, the only reliable options were cheek implants. Thankfully, today, dermal fillers are now a minimally invasive and natural looking option. Sarasota Surgical Arts performs the best cheek filler Sarasota offers.

What Are Cheek Fillers?

Cheek fillers, or non-surgical cheek augmentation, use dermal fillers to define and enhance the look of the cheekbones and midface. It can treat aging, but is also used to simply boost the natural structure of the face. The procedure is completely non-surgical and does not require any major downtime or recovery.

Other filler procedures that complement cheek fillers include:

• Nasolabial fold filler
• Under eye filler
• Temple filler
• Chin filler

Depending on your unique facial structure, Dr. Sessa may make recommendations on how to best reach your results and achieve the look you want. Many who want to look younger may also benefit from filling in the smile lines. People who want to address their facial profile may consider adding chin fillers.

Dermal Filler Options

Hyaluronic acid fillers like Restylane or Juvederm are the most commonly used in the cheek area. Semi-permanent fillers like Radiesse can also fill out the cheeks. Though this is more common for more advanced aging or situations where a large amount of volume needs to be injected, and receiving hyaluronic acid filler injections every year would become more expensive and tiresome.

In many other areas, the filler is meant to feel soft and supple. However, in the cheeks, it needs to feel firmer and mimic bone. Therefore, injectors and patients alike prefer thicker fillers. Some of the most commonly used and favored types of fillers for the cheeks include:

• Juvederm Voluma
• Restylane Lyft
• Restylane Contour
• Radiesse

At your consultation, Dr. Sessa will discuss the right filler for your procedure and the benefits you can expect from each option.

Benefits

Non-surgical cheek augmentation comes with many benefits. Each patient will have their motivations and thus their benefits. However, some of the commonly reported advantages and benefits of cheek filler include:

• Increased definition of cheek bone structure
• Restores lost cheek volume
• Slimmer looking face
• Reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles
• Supplies a “lifted” look
• Enhance facial profile and symmetry
• Younger appearance
• May provide some enhancement to smile lines or under eyes in some cases
• Nearly immediate results
• Easy to combine with other fillers and procedures
• Can induce a collagen response
• Results can be either dramatic or subtle
• Few risks
• Can serve as a preview of getting cheek implants
• Reversible (only hyaluronic acid based fillers)

Cheek Filler vs. Implants

The two primary cheek augmentation methods include the non-surgical method of filler and the surgical technique of placing cheek implants. In recent years, filler injections have overtaken implants in popularity. However, people do still want cheek implants and there may be cases where it is recommended over filler. Let’s look at some of the differences between these procedures to help determine the right one for you.

Filler	Implants
Non-surgical Temporary or semi-permanent Reversal easier Regular appointments needed to maintain results Takes under an hour Little to no recovery Likely focused on anti-aging Risk of scarring low Less overall risk	Surgical Permanent Surgery needed for reversal Following surgery appointments, no further treatment necessary Can take one to two hours Traditional surgery recovery Less likely focused on anti-aging More risk of scarring More overall risk

The two cheek augmentation options do have some similarities. Both are customized based on your existing structure to promote a natural look. While both techniques have the potential to be extremely dramatic, they can also provide startingly subtle results if desired. If you are considering both treatments, it is time to schedule a consultation at Sarasota Surgical Arts to discuss your options and determine which is best for you.

From Beginning To End: The Cheek Filler Process

Consultation

During a consultation at Sarasota Surgical Arts, you will meet with Dr. Sessa or a qualified injector. They will ask about what you want to enhance and the procedures you are interested in. From there, they will want to know more about your medical history, aesthetic goals, and lifestyle. This will help them cater your treatment to you. Your provider may also briefly examine the area.

If they believe you are a good candidate for cheek filler, they will discuss your options and may even perform the injections the same day in some cases. Often, for people new to cheek enhancement, your provider will recommend hyaluronic acid fillers.

Sarasota Filler Injections

To start your cheek filler injections, your provider will disinfect the area and apply topical numbing cream. After about ten minutes, they will wipe it off and proceed with the injections. Using either a needle or blunt cannula, your provider will gently insert the needle or cannula into the cheek. Generally, the injection site is just below the cheekbone. Though, they may use multiple injection sites.

Inserting the filler, your provider will then gently massage the filler. This serves two purposes. First, it helps the filler settle into the correct place and position. Many patients also find that it relieves discomfort. The entire process usually takes between fifteen and thirty minutes.

Aftercare & Results

Cheek filler aftercare will closely resemble the aftercare of other filler procedures. Your provider may give you instructions such as:

• Do not work out for 24 to 48 hours
• Avoid ibuprofen and NSAIDs before and following your procedure
• Take it easy the day of your appointment
• Do not touch the area unnecessarily
• Avoid your skincare routine for the rest of the day
• Ice if instructed to do so
• Take an arnica supplement
• Avoid bending down
• Sleep on your back for the first couple nights after

Results generally take about two weeks to become fully visible. This is because swelling needs to subside and the filler itself settle. During this time, your provider will likely tell you to trust the process and wait for two weeks before determining how you feel about the results.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Cheek Filler Make You Look Younger?

The cheeks lose volume and the fat can also descend. This can create a heavy, aged appearance. Adding volume to the upper cheek where it has been lost can result in a more lifted and youthful appearance. Anti-aging is one of the top reasons that patients seek out cheek filler.

How Long Do Cheek Fillers Last?

The longevity of your fillers depends on a few factors. First, what filler you got. Hyaluronic acid fillers can last anywhere from three to twelve months in the cheeks. Considering thicker fillers are used, cheek fillers do tend to last longer than fillers in other areas. Semi-permanent fillers can last for well over a year and create a more advanced collagen response that can help improve cheek volume and skin long term.

Next, your lifestyle and biology also matter. People who are exceptionally active tend to break down dermal fillers faster. Additionally, people who smoke or have certain health conditions may find that their filler does not last as long. This is fairly individual and hard to predict in many circumstances.

Finally, environmental factors such as skin damage, laying on your fillers, or even sun exposure can affect how long fillers last. Making sure to take good care of your skin and not putting too much pressure on them can help you enjoy your Sarasota cheek filler longer.

What Are The Risks & Side Effects?

Cheek filler does have some risks and possible side effects. They are fairly rare, minimal, and treatable. However, certain people will have high risks than others and patients are always thoroughly screened before undergoing filler injections. 

Some of the risks include:

• Infection
• Nerve damage
• Scarring
• Occlusion
• Prolonged swelling or bruising
• Acne or herpes flare-up
• Asymmetry or unsatisfactory result
• Lumps or bumps

All of these risks are either completely treatable, extremely rare, and/or preventable. Dr. Sessa uses the safest possible techniques to help reduce risks.

Not every patient will experience side effects and severity will range. Most side effects go away on their within one to two weeks. Some of the possible side effects of cheek filler include:

• Swelling
• Redness
• Bruising
• Discomfort or pain
• Temporary numbness

Will Buccal Fat Removal Help?

In cases where a person’s cheekbones are undefined and the face rounded, buccal fat removal can address the extra facial fat. For many patients, this leads to a slimmer and more defined face that they are happy with. Though, sometimes, their facial structure may need some extra support. This is where cheek fillers can provide a more defined appearance.

How Much Do Cheek Fillers Cost?

The exact cost of cheek fillers will vary based on the filler you choose, the number of syringes used, and other factors. You can visit our price list or Price Simulator app for more insight into the cost of cheek filler in Sarasota.

The Best Cheek Filler In Sarasota With Dr. Alberico Sessa

Sarasota Surgical Arts is a premier cosmetic surgery facility in Sarasota, Florida. Along with luxury surgery, Sarasota Surgical Arts also provides several non-surgical treatments including injections and skincare. Administered by trained and qualified professionals with varied backgrounds and experience, Sarasota Surgical Arts offers the best cheek filler Sarasota provides.

Dr. Alberico Sessa is an accomplished and accoladed cosmetic surgeon. He has served Sarasota and surrounding areas for over a decade. Providing the best cosmetic surgery in Sarasota, Dr. Sessa also is a skilled injector and helps his patients reach their goals with surgical or non-surgical treatments.

To learn more and schedule a consultation, call us at 941-923-1736. You can also reach out online via chat, contact form, or Price Simulator.