Cheek fillers are an effective way to restore lost volume on your face. But like most injectable treatments, cheek fillers will dissolve after a few months, requiring regular touch-ups. But the question is, how often should you get cheek fillers, and what happens if you get it too often?
In this post, we’ll answer all these questions to help you come up with a healthy cheek filler maintenance schedule. Keep reading and see what our experts in Eau Claire Body Care have to say!
MEDICALLY REVIEWED BY
Molly Rodriguez
15 years of experience
How long do cheek fillers typically last?
The longevity of cheek fillers usually ranges from 6 to 24 months. It largely depends on the specific brand you’re going to get.
Here’s a quick rundown of the most popular cheek filler brands and how long they last:
Overall, hyaluronic-based fillers, such as Juvederm and Restylane, work by filling the loose skin. It acts fast, but it also starts to dissolve at 6 months.
On the other hand, Sculptra lasts longer since it stimulates collagen production instead of simply filling out the loose skin. This allows Sculptra cheek fillers to last for years since it has an extended half-life.
Factors affecting filler longevity on your cheeks
Aside from the cheek filler brand and type, the following factors will also impact how long your dermal fillers will last:
1. Injection dosage
The first thing that will impact the longevity of your cheek fillers is the dosage you receive. Higher filler volumes will provide you with fuller and more contoured cheeks that take more time to dissolve.
Still, this doesn’t mean you’re going for a high-dosage treatment right away. Here at Eau Claire Body Care, we conduct a one-on-one consultation first to identify the correct filler dosage that will give you natural-looking results.
We do this to ensure proper facial balancing when injecting fillers. Facial balancing follows the ‘golden ratio’ concept, which involves contouring your face to achieve ideal angles and proportions. With this, your filler dosage will vary, which our injectors will identify during the in-office consultation.
2. Your metabolism
Each person has a unique metabolic rate or the speed by which the body breaks down certain substances, including cheek fillers. With that, people with faster metabolisms may notice their cheek fillers dissolving faster than others who received the same brand and dosage.
Age is also a factor when it comes to cheek filler longevity. As we grow older, our metabolism tends to slow down. This means older individuals may enjoy their cheek fillers longer before needing touch-ups.
3. Your lifestyle
Your diet is a huge factor when it comes to cheek filler longevity. A poor diet and dehydration will cause your fillers to dissolve faster since they rely heavily on moisture retention.
Moreover, external factors, such as sun exposure, will also accelerate skin aging, which will impact the longevity of your fillers. The same goes for bad habits like smoking and heavy drinking, which have a negative effect on skin health and affect filler durability.
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How long should I wait between cheek filler appointments?
The recommended interval for cheek filler treatments is around 6 to 12 months. You don’t have to wait for your fillers to totally dissolve before making an appointment.
Instead, you can schedule dermal filler touch-ups 6 months after your initial treatment. Through maintenance treatments, you can replace the dissolved portion of the filler before your cheeks return to its original appearance. However, those who have a slower metabolism may put off touch-ups for several months.
The good thing is that here at Eau Claire Body Care, we schedule free filler follow-up consultations. We’ll check how your cheeks respond to the fillers, together with a maintenance schedule that suits your needs.
How to tell when cheek fillers need a refresh
Here are some tell-tale signs it’s time for you to book another filler appointment with us:
If you notice any of these signs months after your initial cheek filler treatment, all you have to do is call us at Eau Claire Body Care Medical Spa. You can schedule a consultation with our filler specialists to learn more about your ideal maintenance schedule.
Tips for maintaining cheek filler results
To maximize the longevity of your cheek fillers, you should keep the following points in mind:
Follow our aftercare instructions. It’s very important to follow the aftercare instructions our injectors will give you. This is to ensure that the fillers won’t migrate and that they will last as long as possible.
Stay hydrated. Hyaluronic-based cheek fillers like Juvederm and Restylane attract water molecules, which contribute to its volumizing effect. Make sure you drink plenty of water to delay the fading of your fillers.
Avoid excessive heat exposure. You should steer clear of saunas, hot yoga, steam rooms, and prolonged sun exposure shortly after your treatment. Take note that heat can adversely affect hyaluronic acid-based fillers, which can potentially reduce their longevity.
Avoid smoking. In a letter published in the Journal of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, it was found that smokers are more likely to suffer from injections after a filler injection. So, if you’re planning to get cheek fillers, it’s very important to avoid unhealthy vices.
Don’t disturb the injection area. You should avoid massaging, rubbing, or disturbing your cheeks two after the filler injection. This is to prevent the fillers from migrating outside the intended areas.
Get regular touch-ups. Since cheek fillers are only temporary, the best way to maintain their results is to schedule maintenance treatments. You can book a touch-up session with us at Eau Claire Body Care if you’re looking for safe and long-lasting fillers!
Common questions about the frequency of cheek filler treatments
Can frequent cheek fillers cause side effects?
As they say, too much of anything is a bad thing – especially with facial fillers. Getting fillers too frequently than recommended will increase your risk of infection, tissue damage, vascular complications, and long-term changes in your facial anatomy.
This is why we always advise our clients to follow a healthy filler maintenance schedule. Through this, they can enjoy the youthful benefits of fillers without any harsh side effects.
What happens if I delay my cheek filler touch-ups?
There’s really no harm in delaying your filler touch-ups. However, your cheeks will soon return to its original appearance as the filler dissolves naturally. Overall, it’s up to you when you want to get a touch-up. But if you’re keen to maintain your plump cheeks, it’s always best to get prompt touch-ups.
Are yearly cheek fillers necessary?
Yearly cheek filler injections are not necessary unless you start noticing a decline in your results. Also, it depends on the type of filler you get, as the likes of Juvederm usually dissolve faster than other brands, such as Sculptra.
What happens if I miss my cheek filler touch-up?
There’s nothing to worry about if you missed your scheduled cheek filler touch-up. You can simply reschedule it at the time you find most convenient. However, you should remember that the longer you put off touch-ups, the more volume loss you’ll get on your cheeks.
Can I refresh my cheek fillers sooner than recommended?
We don’t recommend getting cheek filler touch-ups sooner than recommended. This puts you at risk of overfilling, which will lead to an unnatural appearance. Aside from that, you’ll have a higher risk for side effects, such as lumps, migration, and nodules.
Can I switch cheek filler brands for my refill?
It’s not unusual to mix different cheek filler brands to achieve your desired results. However, this should only be done by a licensed and experienced injector to avoid potential side effects.
If you wish to switch cheek filler brands for a refill, make sure you book a consultation with us first. Our injector will advise you about the pros and cons of this option.
Need expert advice on how often to get cheek fillers?
If you want to know more about the ideal cheek filler frequency, don’t hesitate to reach out to us at Eau Claire Body Care. Our medical spa will explain how to enhance your cheekbones with fillers and how often your treatments should be.
Our professional medical personnel have 10+ years of cosmetic experience, so rest assured that you’re in good hands. We also map out your filler injections so you know where the needle goes and why.
Contact us today, and let’s show you how cheek augmentation can make you look years younger!
