Cheek filler 101: Your journey from consultation to results

Cheeks are often one of the first areas to show signs of ageing, but cheek fillers can be used to restore lost volume. Cheek fillers, using hyaluronic acid (HA), are a popular non-surgical treatment that can refresh and lift your overall appearance. In this blog, we’ll explore how cheek filler works, how long it lasts, what to expect from your appointment, and essential aftercare tips.

What happens to our cheeks throughout the ageing process?

Loss of volume is a normal effect of the ageing process- our facial bones recede, our muscles thin and weaken, and the fat pads shrink, resulting in a lack of definition in the face over time. 

The cheekbones are regarded as an important aesthetic landmark in the face – they usually create an oval shadow below the cheekbones in women, and a triangular shadow in men. Flattening and hollowing of the cheekbones and cheek fat pads typically begins in our 30’s for both men and women, leading to a loss of cheekbone definition that’s associated with a youthful face. 

Also, as the fat pads reduce, the cheeks begin to droop downwards, the appearance of the tear trough can worsen, and vertical lines between the nose and mouth can start to appear. 

What is cheek filler and who is an ideal patient for cheek filler?

Dermal fillers that contain HA are often used to treat patients’ cheeks. HA is naturally occurring in the skin, and its function is to retain moisture, which helps to keep the skin hydrated and gives it a plump, glowing appearance. 

Cheek filler may be a good option for you if you’re noticing hollowing or a loss of volume in the mid-cheeks, or if your desired result is to have the appearance of more defined cheekbones. It’s important to have a consultation with an experienced aesthetic healthcare professional to assess your goals prior to deciding on any treatment.

What is involved in a cheek filler appointment and how long does it take?

A comprehensive consultation should take place with your aesthetic healthcare practitioner, including a full facial analysis and discussion of your areas of concern, as well as a review of your full medical and aesthetic history, prior to any aesthetic treatments. 

If you decide cheek filler is the right treatment to achieve your aesthetic goals, your practitioner should run through any possible complications and side effects of the chosen filler before the treatment. 

Once you’re ready, pain relief may be provided prior to injection to minimise any pain, depending on your practitioner. Following injection, your practitioner should advise you of any aftercare required. 

On average, a cheek filler appointment usually takes around 30-45 minutes in total.

How much filler is usually injected in each cheek?

Your injector will determine the amount required per side to achieve your desired result. In Doctor Kim Booysen’s clinic, most of her patients start with 1 ml injected across both cheeks, then they return 2 weeks later for a review- “The filler needs time to settle in the tissues and lift the area injected. Further filler can always be added at this point if needed.”

However, each patient is unique, and the amount of filler required will vary. “Patients are not all symmetrical and may require more volume on one side than another. This could be due to general ageing, injuries, sleep patterns etc.”, explains Dr Kim Booysen.

Why is BELOTERO® Volume a good option for cheek filler and how long does it last?

BELOTERO Volume has been specifically designed to be injected in the contours of the face- it restores lost facial volume and can result in a lifted appearance when used in the cheeks.

BELOTERO Volume can last up to 18 months, while giving a natural look due to its ability to integrate seamlessly into the skin’s tissues. Additionally, it’s been used in clinics across the UK and Ireland for over 10 years, and it has an established safety profile. 

Is there downtime after cheek fillers with BELOTERO Volume?

Side effects are possible with all aesthetic treatments including injection site reactions such as swelling, lumps, bruising and redness. Usually these adverse events resolve in a few days, for example in Dr Kim Booysen’s experience, “Some patients may see a small amount of swelling for a few days after treatment and this usually subsides within 1 week”. If you are concerned about side effects of fillers, book a consultation with a healthcare professional to discuss your concerns.

Considering cheek filler?

By choosing a qualified and experienced healthcare professional for your aesthetic treatments, you can minimise complications and achieve optimal outcomes. 

Visit our Clini Finder, to find a clinic that uses the BELOTERO collection.

Individual results may vary, always consult a practitioner.

M-BEL-UKI-1945 Date of preparation March 2025