Cheek fillers help restore lost volume on your face. However, like any injectable cosmetic treatment, results are not instant. The entire procedure could be as fast as 15 minutes, but the full effects may take up to 2 weeks to show. During this time, it’s crucial to observe proper aftercare to guarantee smooth and irritation-free results.
In this post, we’ll discuss the timeline for cheek fillers to look natural and the post-treatment expectations you should know. Make sure you read this before you go to your appointment!
MEDICALLY REVIEWED BY
Molly Rodriguez
15 years of experience
Factors affecting settling time for dermal fillers
How quickly do cheek fillers show results? It takes around 1 to 2 weeks, depending on the person’s individual response to the treatment. Aside from that, the following factors affect recovery time for cheek fillers:
1. Type of cheek filler
Hyaluronic acid cheek fillers, such as Restylane Lyft and Juvederm Voluma, give an almost-instant plump. It works by increasing your cheeks’ hydration, which is then absorbed and dissolved by your body.
On the other hand, poly-l-lactic acid cheek fillers like Sculptra may take longer to settle due to their mechanism. Instead of simply adding hydration, Sculptra boosts collagen production. It makes this cheek filler last longer, but it also requires more time to settle than other filler products.
2. Amount of filler
Big amounts of fillers take longer to settle, regardless of brand or type. It’s because more filler means greater tissue displacement, which will trigger increased swelling. With this, the body takes more time to heal and adjust to the cheek filler you just received.
3. Your metabolism and age
Cheek fillers tend to settle slower among older individuals due to reduced skin elasticity. Aside from that, our skin has reduced collagen production as we age, which slows down our bodies’ ability to accommodate fillers.
Aside from age, you should also factor in your metabolism. Younger people may still have a slower filler absorption rate due to their sluggish metabolism. On the upside, this also means they will enjoy longer-lasting effects than others.
4. Your lifestyle
Excessive sun exposure, smoking, alcohol consumption, and dehydration will negatively impact your body’s response to cheek fillers. Not only will it stretch the time for cheek fillers to settle, but it will also put you at risk of infections.
In fact, a letter published in the Journal of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons indicates that active smokers are at risk of late infections after cheek and lip fillers.
5. Aftercare routine
Proper post-treatment care will reduce prolonged swelling and bruising, which will help cheek fillers settle faster. Also, you should avoid touching or disturbing the injection area, as this could cause migration or formation of lumps.
Overall, we always tell our clients to follow our recommended aftercare routine after their filler treatments. Aside from that, we conduct a filler follow-up in our medical spa to ensure that our clients are achieving the results they want.
What to expect in the first week of fillers on cheeks
Here’s what our clients usually experience after getting their cheek fillers:
Take note that if swelling and bruising after fillers persist for over a week, you should contact us right away. While rare, some clients may need extra help to manage the swelling. Also, avoid heat exposure and intense exercise for the next 48 hours after receiving filler injections.
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Signs your cheek fillers have fully settled
The following are good signs that your body is adjusting to cheek fillers well:
If you have concerns about your cheek filler results, your provider is always the best person to contact. Here at Eau Claire Body Care, we always provide a free filler follow-up to all our clients. This is our way of making sure that you’ll be happy with the results.
Tips to help your cheek fillers settle naturally
Whether or not it’s your first time getting cheek fillers, proper aftercare is crucial to get the best results. Here are some pieces of advice we give our clients to ensure that their fillers settle naturally:
1. Avoid heat exposure
After getting cheek fillers, you should steer clear of saunas, tanning beds, hot tubs, direct sunlight, and any sources of intense heat. All these will worsen your cheeks’ swelling and bruising, which will also slow down your fillers’ settling.
2. Use a cold compress
One way of managing swelling after cheek fillers is through the use of a cold compress. This will reduce the swelling and discomfort on the first days as you wait for the filler to settle.
Make sure you apply the cold compress for 10 to 15 minutes at a time to avoid skin irritation. You can do this for the first 24 to 48 hours.
3. Keep your head elevated
You should sleep with your head elevated on the first night after getting your cheek fillers. Also, you should sleep on your back and surround yourself with pillows to avoid rolling over to your side and pressing on your cheeks.
This helps reduce swelling and avoids disturbing the injection areas while you wait for the filler to settle fully.
4. Hands off your cheeks
Avoid touching, massaging, or rubbing your cheeks for a few days after your injections. Doing so will cause the filler to migrate to other areas on your face, which will lead to uneven results and an asymmetrical appearance.
At the same time, avoid facials, lasers, or any similar treatments on your face until the filler has fully settled.
5. Skip your workout
You should also avoid intense physical activity in the next 48 hours after getting cheek fillers. Too much physical activity will boost the blood flow to your face, which will increase swelling and bruising. Also, it may cause the filler to transfer to other areas of your face, which is a big no-no.
6. Drink lots of water
Proper hydration will keep your skin plump and elastic. Also, it will aid the filler, especially hyaluronic acid types that attract moisture to enhance your cheekbones.
Overall, water supports healing and overall health. With or without cheek fillers, it’s always a good idea to keep up with your water intake.
7. Use gentle skincare products
Lastly, you should only use gentle skincare products to minimize your inflammatory response. During the first 48 hours after getting your filler injections, you should avoid exfoliants, retinoids, and strong acids.
Also, opt for unscented and alcohol-free products since these are gentler on your skin. Don’t worry because our aesthetician will also advise you about the dos and don’ts of skincare after getting fillers.
Common questions about cheek fillers
Do cheek fillers change after they settle?
The final result of your cheek fillers will look different from the initial appearance post-treatment. Your cheeks will look more toned, less puffy, and naturally plump.
How soon can I see the final result of cheek fillers?
Some people see the full results of their cheek fillers after 1 week. Still, it’s best to wait for at least 2 weeks as some fillers take longer to settle.
Are cheek fillers noticeable during the settling phase?
Yes, you can see instant volume on your face right after your cheek filler injections. Also, it looks better over the days as the cheek filler settles on your face.
Can I reduce swelling to help fillers settle faster?
Yes, you can use a cold compress to manage the swelling and help your fillers to settle faster. Make sure you also avoid exercise and heat exposure to minimize swelling.
How do you care for your cheeks while fillers settle?
Cheek fillers don’t require rigorous aftercare. Just avoid disturbing the injection areas, skip harsh skin products, and use a cold compress to manage the swelling.
How can I find the right cheek filler provider in Eau Claire?
If you want to find the right dermal filler provider in Eau Claire, WI, all you have to do is call us at Eau Claire Body Care. You can book a consultation with our licensed injector to learn more about facial fillers and how it can rejuvenate your look.
Have more questions about cheek fillers?
If you have more questions or you’re ready to try cheek fillers, feel free to book your appointment today! At Eau Claire Body Care, we only use FDA-approved and trusted filler brands to give you natural-looking and long-lasting results.
Above all, only licensed injectors will provide your treatment. With over 10+ years of cosmetic experience, your face is in good hands with our team.
Contact us today, and let’s give you a younger and fresher look with cheek fillers!
