High, voluminous cheekbones are a sign of youth. The cherubic look of a child is a reflection of a full cheek. Unfortunately, as we age and lose fat, the skin on our face begins to deflate and sag. It’s like a balloon that deflates as it loses air. With time, the skin “cover” sags under its weight as the volume of fat decreases.
The good news is that fat volume loss can be undone with a non-invasive procedure that consists of using dermal fillers to augment this anatomical area. These dermal fillers are applied within the deep tissue of the cheek. The procedure to regain fuller cheeks is performed in the office of an oculoplastic surgeon or dermatologist without the need of an operating suite.
Dermal fillers are generally made up of hyaluronic acid, a substance that integrates easily into human skin. This fact makes the application of fillers safe and effective for volume augmentation in both young and older patients. Nevertheless, fillers must be applied by an experienced physician to achieve the best results and avoid complications.
How to achieve youthful cheeks with hyaluronic acid fillers
The best fillers for cheek augmentation are viscous gels made up of hyaluronic acid (HA); the more viscous the gel, the greater its lifting effect will be. Voluma, an HA filler produced by Allergan- the same company that makes the original BOTOX product- was the first filler approved by the FDA to augment cheeks. So far, it is also the best option available for this purpose since it provides the most desirable lifting effect. Voluma also boasts longevity for up to one year.
Voluma application must be made correctly to achieve proper cheek augmentation. Your doctor must inject the filler in the deep plane of the cheek, beneath the skin and fat compartments. The skin is sterilized before application to avoid bacterial infection. The result is seen almost immediately, but a touch up may be necessary after a week. Voluma’s effect lasts from 12 to 18 months, considerably longer than most other hyaluronic acid fillers.
Get your youthful cheeks back
If you notice that your cheeks look flat, the corners of your mouth look sad, and you have pronounced smile lines, cheek augmentation may be the right choice for you. Most changes due to aging can be corrected with the proper application of hyaluronic acid fillers. This procedure may be performed in the doctor’s office without the need for lengthy recovery periods or time off from work. Consult your oculoplastic surgeon for the filler that best fits your needs!
|