What Is Cheekbone Filler?
The cheekbones form the skeleton of the middle of the face and are an important support point that gives the face structure and light. In some people, the cheekbones are naturally flatter. As the years pass, bone and soft-tissue support in this area decreases; the outer contour of the face loses definition, and the mid-face can appear to drop downward.
Cheekbone filler is the application of a hyaluronic acid filler with high lifting capacity to this area. While cheek filler is aimed more at the volume in the front of the mid-face, cheekbone filler focuses on the outer contour of the face and support close to the bone. Support given at the right points may also create a slight lifting effect in the mid-face.
The cheekbone area is one of the first places where light falls on the face. A small amount of support here may help the face look more vibrant and refreshed. Because the ideal position and prominence of the cheekbone differ in male and female faces, planning is done according to the person’s facial structure.
Who Is It Suitable For?
- People whose cheekbones are naturally flat or less prominent
- Those who notice their facial contour becoming undefined and flatter with age
- Those whose face looks tired because of lost mid-face support
- People whose cheekbone prominence differs between the two sides
- Those who want a subtle contour and light in the face
How Is the Treatment Done?
- Face shape, the position of the cheekbones, the way light falls on the face and differences between the two sides are assessed.
- The injection points are marked according to the proportions of the face; the area is disinfected and numbing cream is applied.
- The filler is applied in small amounts to the deep layer close to the bone, with a fine needle or a cannula.
- Symmetry and the overall balance of the face are checked at each step. The procedure usually takes 20–40 minutes.
What Should You Pay Attention to Afterward?
- On the first day, you can apply cold compresses at short intervals.
- For the first few nights, take care to sleep on your back.
- For the first 48 hours, avoid heavy exercise, saunas, steam baths and alcohol.
- If you wear glasses, make sure they do not put pressure on the area in the first days.
- Do not massage the area; come in for your follow-up visit.
Possible Side Effects and Who Should Not Have It
Swelling, bruising and tenderness to the touch are common effects that decrease within a few days. In the first days you may feel mild tightness when opening your mouth. Rarely, small lumps that can be felt, asymmetry or a late inflammatory reaction may develop.
As with all other fillers, a rare but serious risk is the filler entering or pressing on a blood vessel. Slow, controlled application in the deep layer reduces this risk, and hyaluronidase is always kept on hand. If you notice increasing severe pain, skin color changes or any change in your vision after the treatment, you should contact your doctor right away.
The treatment is not performed during pregnancy and breastfeeding, if there is an active infection in the area, or if there is an allergy to a filler ingredient.
Dr. Fulya Koç’s Approach
Although defined cheekbones are a frequently requested look, for Dr. Fulya Koç the yardstick is the person’s own facial structure. Rather than giving the face a shape that is not its own, the aim is to replace the support lost with age and to let light fall on the face in a more balanced way.
The right support to the cheekbone area can sometimes reduce the need for separate filler in the under-eye area or smile line. For this reason, the plan is made with the whole face in mind and with the smallest amount possible. At the follow-up visit, the result is assessed together; any additional need is discussed only then.
Fulya Koç
Frequently asked questions
Because the cheekbone area moves little and the filler is placed in the deep layer, the effect usually lasts 12–18 months and sometimes longer. The duration varies from person to person.
Support given at the right points in the mid-face can hold tissues that tend to sag slightly higher and create a mild lifting effect. However, filler alone is not enough in marked skin sagging.
When the injection points are chosen according to facial proportions, the face looks more defined and balanced rather than wider. For this reason, planning is done especially carefully in people with a broad face shape.
The information on this page is general. Whether the treatment suits you, its possible risks and the results you can expect are assessed individually at your consultation. Results vary from person to person. Image is illustrative.
