How Do Cheek Fillers Work?
Dr. Lewen regularly uses cheek fillers to achieve a more balanced and complete rejuvenation of the lower eyelids for certain patients in combination with lower blepharoplasty surgery. For these patients, an optimal rejuvenation of the lower eyelids cannot be accomplished by just simply removing the bags of fat or pulling the lower eyelid skin tighter. Although it may seem that this simpler excision of tissue and pulling things tighter is all that needs to be done to improve the appearance of this facial area, this outdated approach to lower lid rejuvenation and blepharoplasty can actually make your eyes appear somewhat more sunken, hollow, and aged in appearance over time. It is important to understand the significance of volume, shape, and positioning of the midface when considering the best rejuvenation options for the lower eyelids. It is this relationship between the lower eyelids and the midface, along with the smoothness of transition between these two areas of the face, that is integral for the best possible cosmetic rejuvenation with natural-appearing results. For this reason, the ideal rejuvenation of the lower eyelids for many patients may necessitate some degree of volume replacement in the lower eyelid or midface with face fillers, such as liquid cheek augmentation, to create a smoother transition between the lower eyelids and the midface tissues.
Dr. Lewen’s meticulous technique for cheek fillers not only addresses the cosmetic portion of the lower eyelid area but also serves to improve lower lid support. In many cases, proper volume replacement in the cheeks can reduce the amount of lower eyelid skin that may initially appear to be in excess as this area becomes “re-inflated.” Adequate volume in the midface also helps to maintain a youthful contour of the lower eyelids and creates a smoother blending effect in the transition between the lower lid and the cheek areas.
To understand the true role of cheek fillers, and other volume replacement procedures, it is important to consider the shape of a face as it matures. A child’s face, no matter how thin, tends to have more of a round shape that is attributable to normal fullness from “baby fat.” This baby fat tends to shrink over time, and at different rates depending on individual genetic and environmental factors. By the late 20’s/early ’30s, much of the baby fat in a woman’s face will be gone, and the face will appear more heart-shaped, with fullness still maintained around the eyes and a more tapered jawline. With continued aging, loss of volume around the eyes, in the midface, around the mouth, and along with the jawline areas, causes these areas of the face to appear deflated and sag. This also contributes to the appearance of added weight in the lower face, neck, and jowl areas. These age-related facial changes create a longer shape to the face, eventually, the youthful heart or triangular shape tends to appear inverted, with fullness in the lower part of the face and a lack of volume in the upper areas. Although many people want volume replacement procedures such as face fillers to erase lines, folds, and wrinkles on the face, the more important role for these procedures is to restore the youthful balance, contour, and shape to the face. This is extremely important for achieving the most natural and effective facial rejuvenation.
What Should I Expect from Cheek Fillers?
Dr. Lewen typically performs cheek fillers as an in-office procedure with most patients experiencing minimal or no discomfort. Some degree of bruising and swelling can be expected after the procedure, but this will vary based on each individual patient.
Dr. Lewen meticulously injects volume into the cheek areas, and this can create the effect of lifting the midface, often also causing some areas around the mouth and jawline to improve as well. Although some patients may be concerned about having cheeks that are too large, this is very rarely a concern for patients after having this procedure. It is important to understand that it is the careful and selective placement of face fillers in the correct anatomic areas that serve to have a lifting effect for the midface areas, and Dr. Lewen is meticulous in his technique to ensure that the effects from liquid cheek augmentation are natural-appearing. Patients will often share that after having a cheek fillers procedure, they will feel that their faces appear more youthful, well-rested, more relaxed, less stressed, less angry, happier, and healthier!
Cheek fillers is a procedure that is frequently performed in combination with other cosmetic surgeries and procedures, such as upper eyelid surgery, lower blepharoplasty, brow lift, mid-facelift, and CO2 laser skin resurfacing.
