Cheek Fillers

What are cheek fillers?

Cheek fillers are injections that raise the volume of the area above and around your cheekbones. This provides the illusion of a more defined bone structure. By injecting volume under your skin layer, cheek fillers can also smooth out wrinkles and fine lines.

Advantages of cheek fillers over conventional surgery:

• Require little or no anaesthesia.
• No hospital visit or overnight stay
• Short period of recovery
• No dressing or bandages required
• Bruising and swelling is minimal
• Natural-looking and instant results
• Filler can be added or removed if required

What happens during the procedure?

During the appointment, you’ll recline in a sterilised environment. Dr Natasha may apply a topical anaesthetic to the injection site, or there may be a numbing agent already mixed into the filler itself. The injection process should be simple and will only last 20 minutes or so. After the injection, you’ll be able to see some of the results immediately. It will take a day or two for the filler to settle into its position on your face.

You can drive after the procedure, and you can even return to work or other appointments immediately after.

What are the benefits of having the procedure?

Compared to other treatment options, such as cheek implants and surgical facelifts, cheek fillers have several obvious benefits. Cheek fillers can be performed in a plastic surgeon’s office and require little or no anaesthesia. Recovery for cheek fillers is quick, and many people can go right back to work or their regular activities afterwards. Cheek fillers last for months or years, but the result isn’t permanent, so if you change your mind about them, you aren’t stuck with the result. Cheek fillers can be modified after insertion, meaning that you can add more filler to the injection site until you achieve your desired result. Finally, cheek fillers are less expensive than more invasive plastic surgery for making your cheeks appear more defined as well as carrying a very low risk of serious complications or infection.

Is the treatment painful?

The desired area will be numbed before the treatment is carried out. Most people can tolerate the injection, and find the procedure much less uncomfortable than they first expected. There is always a risk of bruising and redness after the procedure but this is normal. The healing process in most cases is normally a few days.

What are the risks involved with the treatment?

Cheek fillers are a low-risk, fairly straightforward procedure with minimal recovery time. But that doesn’t mean there isn’t a risk of side effects.

Common side effects of cheek fillers include:

• swelling
• bruising
• itching
• redness

There’s also the risk of injection material migrating to other parts of your face, causing a lumpy or asymmetrical appearance. If this does happen, your doctor may inject another material to dissolve the filler, or simply wait for the filler material to metabolise on its own.

Do I have to pay for my consultation?

A £50 no refundable deposit is required and can be used toward either the face to face consultation OR the treatment on the day.

Dr Natasha will give a consultation, discuss and advise all available options with the client prior to the treatment.

A thorough medical history will be discussed before each treatment is carried out.
A discussion will take place at the consultation, as to the look and which treatment the client requires.

Once the client fully understands what’s involved with the treatment:

• A consent form is then signed
• Pre-treatment photos are taken.

If the client is happy to proceed, then the treatment will go ahead.

Why choose Dr Natasha Clinics for my treatment?

• Honest, Private Fully Qualified GP advice and treatments by Dr Natasha Ranga MRCGP.
• Experience and expertise in Lip fillers, lip augmentation and lip correction.
• Fully trained in Advanced aesthetics procedures.
• Save Face Accredited by Professional Standards Authority and is recognised by the Government and The Care Quality Commission.
• Superior aftercare support.
• Modern, comfortable and hygienic local premises for your consultation and treatment.
• Past and present client satisfaction and feedback.
• Dr Natasha Clinics only uses the highest grade FDA approved products for every treatment.

What happens after the procedure?

Avoid touching the treated area after the procedure to prevent any infection. Post-treatment advice will be given by Dr Natasha. Some patients may experience some slight swelling or bruising around the treated area, this is normal. However, the extent that this affects you usually depends on how easily you bruise, in general, and it’s usually very minor.

You may also notice that the treated area will be tender for up to 5 days following your treatment. Dr Natasha will discuss a future appointment date with the client, so a post-procedure consultation can be arranged. Dr Natasha will also advise that the post-procedure recommendations are followed.

What are the possible side effects?

The procedure is very safe. Dr Natasha is very experienced and specialises in advanced aesthetics. Common side-effects include redness, mild bruising and mild swelling, this is usually minimal. These usually resolve within a few hours, but bruises may last up to a few days.

How long do the results normally last for?

The results normally last from 6-24 months. Dr Natasha will arrange a follow-up appointment to discuss a plan to maintain the initial result. As the results are temporary, minor adjustments can be made over time to ensure the client retains their intended look.

Pre-Procedure Advice

• DON’T have the treatment right before a big event. It is likely that your lips will swell, and you will likely want to have this treatment a week or two before you need to look your best.
• DON’T wear glasses to your appointment
• DO have ideas of what you want. For example, like a haircut, if you can bring in pictures of what you are looking to achieve,  it will be very helpful to Dr Natasha. But at the same time,
• DO be realistic with your expectations.
• DO be prepared for a little discomfort. The products used for the injections, all have a numbing agent mixed in, but sensitive areas you are likely still going to feel some of the injections.
• DO wait about a week to get a good idea of what your results will look like, and then, please
• DO ENJOY!
• Always stay hydrated.

Post Procedure Advice

We take aftercare very seriously. We highly recommend that the client follows these recommendations after treatment:

• DO NOT Smoke for at least 24-36 hours (Smoking is not recommended post-procedure).
• Avoid any hot drinks post-procedure as this can affect the filler.
• Avoid any alcohol consumption for 24 hours before treatment and 24 hours post-procedure.
• Avoid any exercise for 24 hours post-procedure.
• Avoid using any make-up or skincare products/spray tan/direct sunlight, sun exposure and do not use tanning beds.
• Avoid any water on the lips. Use a facial cleansing wipe to clean face, avoiding the facial area.
• Avoid touching or massaging the injected area, unless absolutely necessary.
• Avoid wearing glasses.
• Avoid chewing gum and kissing.
• Use Arnica Cream (TM) after your treatment to help with any bruising or discomfort (if required)
• Apply cool compresses to injected sites for five minutes up to four times a day, if required.
• Restrict facial movements where possible for up to 1-3 weeks post-procedure.
• Try to keep the head elevated while sleeping for the first 48 hours post-procedure to help prevent swelling.
• Sleep in an upright position, face-up, to help reduce any swelling (3-7 nights post-procedure).
• Avoid any dental appointments, facial appointments and chemical treatments (4 weeks post-procedure).
• Avoid excessive heat – swimming pools, sauna, steam rooms, hot showers for at least 48 hours post-procedure.
• Paracetamol is advised to patients for post-procedure discomfort (Ibuprofen should be avoided).