Dermal fillers can take many forms depending on your concerns and anatomy. One of the most common patient concerns involve the nasolabial folds. These are the creases in your skin extending from both sides of your nose to the corners of your mouth. They're also called smile lines or laugh lines.

As we age, nasolabial folds deepen. Placing filler into the lateral cheek can help support the midface and provide a more youthful appearance.  

Depending on placement, dermal fillers can:

• Help support tissues
• Provide fullness
• Change light reflection
• Hydrate the skin
• Give a more contoured appearance

The fillers used at Dreams MedSpa are hyaluronic acid-based. Hyaluronic acid exists naturally in our bodies. It works by pulling water into an area. Most dermal fillers take up to two weeks to settle, but some may take longer. 

Is cheek filler safe? 

“Overall, dermal fillers are very safe,” says Acacia Colson, APRN. “However, there are risks to any procedure. We evaluate every patient to ensure that filler is a safe option that will meet their aesthetic goals.”

There are needle pokes involved with cheek filler. Most individuals tolerate this very well. “The number of pokes will vary depending on which technique your injector decides will give you the best results,” Colson explains. “The next day, you may feel a dull soreness to the area when you touch it or smile.”  

Common side effects of dermal fillers include:

• Bruising
• Tenderness
• Swelling

These side effects typically resolve within about two weeks.

Rare complications can include:

• Nodules (small lumps)
• Infection
• Vascular occlusion (blockage in your blood vessels) 

Migration of cheek filler is another very rare occurrence. “If it happens, your injector will work with you to dissolve the filler and start fresh,” says Colson. “Also, if you’re unhappy with your results for any reason, hyaluronic fillers are reversible. It may take several sessions to remove it completely.”

How much does the procedure cost? 

The fillers used at Dreams MedSpa currently range from $550 to $800 per syringe. Several filler brands have loyalty programs offering discounts, coupons and point systems to help reduce the cost. Dreams MedSpa offers sales on various fillers throughout the year.

Depending on how much correction is needed to meet your aesthetic goals, it’s common to need between one and four syringes of filler for cheeks. Cheek fillers may last one to two years. This depends on the product chosen and how your body breaks down the filler.  

“Working with your injector to meet your goals can make a significant difference in how you look and feel,” says Colson. “The cheek is an important area to address as it is one of the main supportive frameworks of the face.”