What to Know About Cheek Filler: Cost, Benefits, Pain
All Your Questions About Cheek Filler, Answered
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Dr. Samolitis says that generally everyone is a good candidate for fillers. The only people who may want to steer clear are those who are allergic to lidocaine, since most hyaluronic acid fillers contain the numbing agent. There are a few types of fillers that don't have lidocaine (like Sculptra), so Dr. Samolitis says to talk to your doctor about other options. She also says that people who have active autoimmune diseases that make them prone to inflammation should talk to their doctor before getting fillers since they might have more intense swelling.
How long fillers last really depends on the placement, and how much natural movement the area gets. Lip fillers, for example, will dissolve more quickly than low-movement spots like cheeks or under the eyes simply because you move your mouth a lot every day. For cheek fillers specifically, Dr. Samolitis says that since these are really just sitting on top of the bone, people can expect them to last about a year (although she's seen cheek fillers last for up to two years).
Like most fillers, those on the cheeks can be injected using a traditional needle or a cannula, a hollow tube. There hasn't been any data to support that one method is safer than the other, Dr. Samolitis explained, so how the fillers are administered really comes down to personal preference. "I think I get better results with a needle than with a cannula for cheeks," she said.
Some doctors apply a numbing cream, but that area of the face isn't too sensitive. Dr. Samolitis explained that she usually asks people to give it a try without it — plus, the filler itself is mixed with lidocaine to help alleviate any pain.
Dr. Samolitis noted that often people think they should stay away from things like alcohol and blood-thinning medications like aspirin the day before getting fillers to avoid bruising, but it's actually more like two weeks for it make a difference. Of course, that's not always realistic, so just do your best. Otherwise, you can live your life normally and show up to your appointment with a clean face.