Cheek fillers typically last between 12 to 24 months, with many people experiencing results for around 18 months on average. The cheeks are a relatively stable area with less movement than the lips or mouth, which helps filler last longer. Several factors influence longevity including the specific product used, with thicker, more robust fillers designed for structural support lasting longer than softer formulations; the amount of filler injected; your individual metabolism and how quickly your body breaks down hyaluronic acid; your age and skin quality; lifestyle factors like exercise intensity and stress levels; and the injection technique and placement depth. Some advanced products are specifically formulated for the midface and can last up to 2 years or more. People with faster metabolisms or who exercise very frequently may find their filler breaks down more quickly. Most practitioners recommend a review appointment around 12 to 18 months after treatment to assess whether you need a top-up. With regular maintenance sessions, some people find they need less filler over time to maintain results, as repeated treatments can have a cumulative collagen-stimulating effect.

Cheek filler typically takes 2 to 4 weeks to fully settle, though the timeline varies between individuals. Immediately after treatment, there will be swelling, which can be quite noticeable in the cheek area and may make your face appear fuller or more asymmetrical than the final result. Most of the initial swelling subsides within the first 3 to 7 days, with more subtle swelling, firmness and any minor lumpiness usually resolving over the following 1 to 3 weeks. Some people experience minimal swelling that settles quickly within a few days, while others have more pronounced swelling that takes longer to resolve, particularly if larger volumes were used or if bruising occurred. The cheeks can also feel tight, full or slightly uncomfortable during the settling period. The filler itself needs time to integrate with the surrounding tissue, soften and settle into its final position. You might notice slight asymmetry or unevenness that typically resolves as swelling subsides and the product integrates. It is crucial not to judge your final result until all swelling has completely resolved, usually by the 2 to 4 week mark, as the appearance can change considerably during this time. Your practitioner should schedule a follow-up appointment around 2 to 4 weeks after treatment to assess the results once everything has settled and determine if any adjustments are needed.

Cheek filler is used to restore or enhance volume in the midface area, creating more defined, lifted and youthful-looking cheeks. The treatment can address various concerns including volume loss that occurs naturally with ageing, resulting in a flattened or hollow midface; lack of cheekbone definition or prominence; asymmetry where one cheek differs from the other; sagging or descent of facial tissues contributing to jowls and nasolabial folds; or simply enhancing naturally flat cheeks for better facial contour. Cheek filler, typically made from hyaluronic acid, is strategically injected to add volume and structure to the cheek area. When placed correctly, it can create a subtle lifting effect that improves the appearance of the lower face, soften nasolabial folds (smile lines) by providing support from above, enhance cheekbone definition and contour, restore a more youthful, heart-shaped face, improve overall facial balance and proportions, and create the appearance of firmer, more elevated facial features. The results are immediate, though swelling can temporarily exaggerate the fullness. Well-placed cheek filler can take years off your appearance by restoring the volume and structure that naturally diminishes with age, creating a refreshed rather than overdone look when performed by a skilled practitioner.

Most people find cheek filler moderately uncomfortable rather than extremely painful, though pain tolerance varies considerably between individuals. The cheek area has varying sensitivity across different zones, with some areas being more tender than others. The procedure involves multiple injections or the use of a cannula, both of which can cause discomfort. To minimise pain, most practitioners apply topical numbing cream 20 to 30 minutes before treatment, and many modern fillers contain lidocaine, a local anaesthetic that provides additional numbing once injected. Some practitioners use cannulas rather than needles, which can be more comfortable as they create fewer entry points and glide through tissue rather than piercing it repeatedly. With adequate numbing, many people describe the sensation as pressure, pushing or dull discomfort rather than sharp pain. You may feel the filler being deposited and the practitioner massaging and moulding the product into position, which can feel strange but not necessarily painful. The initial entry points are often the most uncomfortable part. After treatment, the cheeks typically feel tender, tight, full and sensitive for several days, particularly when smiling, sleeping on your side or touching the area. Some people experience throbbing or aching for the first 24 to 48 hours. If you are particularly anxious about pain, discuss this with your practitioner beforehand so they can use additional numbing techniques or take extra care to keep you comfortable throughout the procedure.

Cheek filler can migrate, though when performed correctly by an experienced practitioner using appropriate products and techniques, the risk is relatively low. Migration occurs when filler moves from its intended placement to surrounding areas, which can create an unnatural appearance, puffiness under the eyes, undefined cheek contours or an overfilled look. The risk of migration increases if too much filler is injected at once, if filler is placed too superficially rather than at the appropriate depth on the bone or deep fat pads, if an inappropriate type of filler is used, or if the practitioner lacks proper understanding of facial anatomy and ageing patterns. Factors that may contribute to migration include overfilling beyond the tissue's capacity to hold the product, using very soft, mobile fillers that are not designed for structural support, excessive massage or manipulation of the area after treatment, or natural facial movement and gravity over time. Signs of migration can include puffiness or bags under the eyes, loss of cheek definition, filler appearing lower than originally placed, an unnaturally wide or flat midface, or the 'pillow face' appearance. To minimise migration risk, choose an experienced injector who understands midface anatomy and uses conservative amounts of appropriate products placed at the correct depth, avoid excessive touching or massage of the area after treatment, and resist the temptation to have too much filler. If you notice migration, the filler can be dissolved with hyaluronidase. Prevention through proper technique and conservative approach is always better than correction.

Cheek fillers can create the appearance of improved jowls, but the effect is indirect rather than a true lift, and results vary considerably depending on individual anatomy and the severity of jowling. When strategically placed in the upper cheeks and along the cheekbones, filler can restore lost volume in the midface, which provides subtle support to the structures below. This can create a slight lifting effect that makes jowls appear less pronounced and can soften the line between the cheek and jowl area. The improvement works on the principle of restoring facial support and balance rather than directly lifting sagging tissue. However, cheek filler has limitations for jowls: it works best for mild jowling in younger patients where volume loss in the midface is a contributing factor; it is not effective for significant jowling caused by substantial skin laxity, pronounced fat descent or muscle changes; and in some cases, adding volume to the cheeks without addressing other areas can actually make jowls more noticeable by creating contrast. For moderate to severe jowls, treatments like jawline filler, thread lifts, Morpheus8, or surgical options like a facelift or neck lift may be more effective. A skilled practitioner will assess your individual facial anatomy and ageing patterns to determine whether cheek filler alone will help with jowls or whether a combination approach or alternative treatments would be more suitable. Realistic expectations are essential, as cheek filler provides subtle enhancement rather than dramatic jowl correction.

Before cheek filler, people typically have concerns such as volume loss in the midface creating a flattened or hollow appearance; lack of cheekbone definition or prominence; sagging of the midface contributing to jowls and nasolabial folds; an aged, tired or gaunt appearance; asymmetry between the two cheeks; or naturally flat cheeks that lack contour and structure. These concerns often make the face appear longer, older or less balanced, with more pronounced lower facial features like jowls, nasolabial folds and marionette lines. After cheek filler treatment, once all swelling has subsided usually within 2 to 4 weeks, the cheeks typically appear fuller, more lifted and better defined. The midface looks more youthful and voluminous, cheekbones appear more prominent and sculpted, and there is often a subtle lifting effect that softens nasolabial folds and improves the appearance of the lower face. The overall facial shape can appear more balanced, with better proportions and a more youthful, heart-shaped contour. The face generally looks refreshed, healthier and less tired, with improved light reflection across the cheek area creating a more attractive appearance. The degree of change depends on the amount of filler used, the specific concerns being addressed, placement technique and individual facial anatomy. Results can range from subtle enhancement that simply refreshes your appearance to more noticeable transformation if significant volume was lost or added. Immediately after treatment, the cheeks will be swollen, possibly bruised and may appear overfilled or asymmetrical, so patience during the settling period is essential. Your practitioner should provide realistic before and after photos from their own work, taken after swelling has resolved, showing results on various face shapes and ages to help you understand what to expect. Well-executed cheek filler should look natural and harmonious, enhancing rather than dramatically changing your features.