What are the disadvantages of cheek fillers?

Author: Sierra Abshire  |  Last update: Saturday, November 22, 2025

Common risks include:
  • Bruising.
  • Redness.
  • Swelling.
  • Pain.
  • Tenderness.
  • Itching.
  • Rash.
  • Difficulty in performing activities (only observed when injected into the back of the hand)

What can go wrong with cheek fillers?

Cheek filler is a low-risk procedure, but complications may include: Bleeding. Bruising. Bumps that look like acne.

What are the long term side effects of fillers?

Late complications are defined as those appearing after about 2-6 weeks. They comprise late allergic reactions, chronic inflammation and infection, granulomas, filler migration, loss of function, telangiectasia, and hypertrophic scars. A detailed history may disclose a potential allergy.

What are the red flags after fillers?

Signs to look for include pain at the injection site and discolouration of skin (pale or deep red) for up to a few hours after filler injection.

What is forbidden after filler?

After your first dermal filler appointment, you want to avoid any hot and humid place. For example, don't rush to the sauna or a hot tub right after your treatment. The high heat makes swelling in your face a lot worse.

Long term side effects of Facial Fillers? - Dr. Gary Linkov

What is a pillow face?

“Pillow face” occurs when too much filler is injected into areas like the cheeks, nasolabial folds (the lines from your nose to the corners of your mouth), lips, and under-eye area. This repeated overfilling can result in a bloated, round appearance that looks far from natural.

Does filler in cheeks lift jowls?

Cheek Filler when injected into the cheeks adds volume and restores elasticity. This added volume can have a cascading effect, lifting the jowls, which in turn reduces the appearance of nasolabial folds and marionette lines.

What happens when you stop getting cheek fillers?

Loss of Volume

Wrinkle Reappearance: As the filler volume decreases, wrinkles and fine lines that were smoothed out by the filler will start to reappear. These include nasolabial folds, marionette lines, and other creases.

Is there a downside to fillers?

The most serious risk associated with dermal fillers is accidental injection into a blood vessel. Filler that enters a blood vessel can cause skin necrosis (death of tissue), stroke, or blindness.

Can cheek fillers affect sinuses?

Cheek filler injections are an increasingly popular cosmetic treatment to sculpt and define facial contours. However, some patients have reported developing sinus problems and infections after receiving dermal filler injections in the cheeks.

Where does filler go when it dissolves?

Dissolve Under Eye Filler: Special care is taken when dissolving fillers in sensitive areas like under the eyes to avoid complications. Where Does Filler Go When It Dissolves?: Hyaluronidase breaks down the filler, and your body naturally metabolizes the products.

Why does my smile look weird after cheek fillers?

“Overfilling the deep compartments or accidentally injecting the superficial compartments, can both affect the contraction of the musculature of the SMAS. This can alter the appearance of the smile around the eyes or mouth”, Dr Linday warns.

How to tell if someone has cheek fillers?

Unless you are a professional and have a trained eye, it is difficult to tell if someone had a cosmetic enhancement with cheek fillers. The difference might be spotted with a before and after picture. If done by an experienced professional, you will not notice a thing.

Where do you avoid cheek fillers?

One of the most dangerous areas for cheek filler lies in the infraorbital region, directly under the eyes. Here, the delicate infraorbital artery and vein descend vertically from the lower eyelids' inner corners. Filler incorrectly placed in this area risks intravascular injection into these vessels.

Are cheek fillers worth the money?

It's worth getting cheek fillers if you're looking to add more volume to your cheeks or if, over time, you've noticed some shadowing under your cheeks. Cheek fillers are a great way to replace volume or add more volume to give you a more youthful, more rested and overall softer look.

Why are people stopping fillers?

“While filler continues in its popularity, I am seeing that many people are seeking the use of less total volume of filler in order to achieve a more natural look,” explains Board-certified NYC dermatologist and co-founder of TRNR Skin, Dr. Ryan Turner.

How many years can fillers take off your face?

It occurs naturally in your skin, where it boosts hydration. Juvederm® uses various formulas of this material to address areas like the cheeks, nasolabial folds, and lips. Some Juvederm® formulas last from six to twelve months, whereas Juvederm Voluma and Volux for cheeks and jawline can last up to two years.

How long does it take for cheek fillers to settle?

Timeline for Settling: Typically, cheek fillers take about two weeks to fully settle and integrate with the surrounding tissues. Initially, you may notice an improvement right after the treatment, but the final results refine over the next few weeks. This period allows any initial swelling or bruising to subside.

What is an 8 point face lift?

Non Surgical Facelift

The 8 point facelift involves injecting dermal filler in a specific sequence of targets areas of the mid-face. ‍ The 8 point face lift with fillers procedure will target and inject 8 key areas of the mid-face, using Dermal Fillers to lift, contour and revitalise the whole mid and lower face.

What is the best cheek filler?

Juvederm Voluma XC, Restylane Lyft, and Revanesse are often preferred for general volume enhancement and smoothing of fine lines. Sculptra is ideal for patients seeking gradual, comprehensive facial rejuvenation.

What is the Ozempic face?

Ozempic face is a colloquial term, not a medically recognized condition. It describes the facial changes that can accompany rapid weight loss when using medications like Ozempic or another version of the same drug (generic name semaglutide) FDA-approved for weight-loss treatment.

How to avoid chipmunk cheeks with fillers?

Choose an Experienced and Qualified Practitioner

Selecting a board-certified cosmetic doctor or facial plastic surgeon with expertise in dermal filler injections is crucial to avoid chipmunk cheeks and pillow face.

Why do celebrities' faces look puffy?

“What is pillow face?” You might have seen this overfilled look on social media or even among celebrities where the cheeks appear overly puffy, and facial contours look blurred. Pillow face is a real phenomenon, and it often results from the overuse or incorrect application of dermal fillers.

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