Defined cheekbones are often associated with youthfulness and attractiveness. As we age, we naturally lose volume in our faces, leading to a less defined cheekbone area. Fortunately, several minimally invasive treatments can help restore volume, enhance definition, and create a more sculpted look without the need for surgery. This article explores the most effective non-surgical options for achieving sculpted cheekbones, including dermal fillers, thread lifts, and other innovative techniques.
Why Consider Minimally Invasive Cheekbone Enhancement?
- Non-Surgical: Avoid incisions, general anesthesia, and lengthy recovery periods associated with surgical procedures.
- Immediate Results: Many treatments offer noticeable results immediately after the procedure, with further improvements over time.
- Minimal Downtime: Most clients can resume daily activities right after the procedure, making it perfect for busy schedules.
- Customizable Treatment: Each treatment is tailored to individual needs, ensuring results that enhance natural beauty.
- Safe and Effective: Performed by trained specialists, minimally invasive treatments are proven to be safe and deliver reliable results.
- Reversible: Hyaluronic acid fillers can be dissolved, offering flexibility for adjustments.
1. Dermal Fillers: The Volume Restorers
Dermal fillers are a popular and effective non-surgical option for enhancing cheekbones. They involve injecting substances into the cheek area to add volume, lift the skin, and create a more defined contour.
How Dermal Fillers Work
- Volume Restoration: Fillers plump up the cheeks and restore lost volume, addressing the sunken or hollow appearance that can occur with aging.
- Facial Contouring: By strategically placing fillers, practitioners can sculpt and define the cheekbones, enhancing the overall facial structure.
- Wrinkle Smoothing: Fillers can reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles around the cheeks, contributing to a more youthful look.
- Collagen Stimulation: Some fillers stimulate collagen production, improving skin texture and elasticity over time.
Types of Dermal Fillers for Cheekbone Enhancement
- Hyaluronic Acid (HA) Fillers: The most common type of filler, HA is a naturally occurring substance in the body that helps maintain skin hydration and volume. HA fillers are biocompatible, well-tolerated, and produce natural-looking results. Brands include:
- Juvederm Voluma XC: FDA-approved, provides high-lift capacity, and lasts up to two years. Designed for midface volumization, offering immediate yet subtle results.
- Restylane Lyft: Known for its firm consistency and ability to restore volume to cheeks with natural contours. Enhances cheekbones and provides structure to the midface.
- Belotero: Another HA filler option.
- Calcium Hydroxylapatite (CaHA) Fillers: A temporary, biodegradable filler containing CaHA microspheres in an aqueous gel carrier. Increases cheek volume and enhances cheekbones.
- Poly-L-lactic Acid Fillers: A semi-permanent filler that improves the volume of hollowed cheeks and stimulates collagen production.
- Polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) Fillers: A semi-permanent filler containing PMMA microspheres in a collagen gel. Stimulates new collagen production by the body.
The Procedure
- Consultation: A thorough consultation with a qualified healthcare provider to assess facial anatomy and determine the appropriate treatment plan.
- Preparation: The treatment area is cleansed, and a topical anesthetic may be applied to minimize discomfort.
- Injection: The filler is injected into specific areas of the cheeks using a fine needle or cannula. The provider carefully assesses the symmetry and balance of the cheeks and adjusts the injections as needed.
- Massage: After the injection, the provider may gently massage the treated area to ensure even distribution of the filler and minimize the risk of lumps or irregularities.
Benefits of Dermal Fillers
- Immediate or near-immediate results
- Less expensive than surgical options
- Low risk of complications
- Non-permanent results, allowing for changes
- Quick procedure and recovery with little to no downtime
Potential Risks and Side Effects
- Allergic reactions (rare)
- Infection (minimized by proper technique)
- Bruising and swelling (common, usually temporary)
- Asymmetry
- Migration or lumps
- Bleeding
- Itchiness
- Redness
- Nodules
- Skin discoloration
Cost of Cheek Fillers in the UK
In the UK, cheek fillers might cost between £350 to £1,000. Prices vary depending on the amount and type of filler needed, the clinic’s location, and the provider’s experience. Some clinics offer packages that combine cheek fillers with other treatments, such as anti-wrinkle injections or lip fillers.
How Long Do Cheek Fillers Last?
The longevity of cheek fillers depends on the type of filler used:
- Hyaluronic acid filler: 6-18 months
- Calcium Hydroxylapatite filler: 12 months
- Poly-L-lactic acid filler: 2+ years
- Polymethylmethacrylate filler: Up to 5 years
2. Thread Lifts: The Lifting Effect
Thread lifts offer another non-surgical method to contour the cheeks. This procedure involves inserting thin threads under the skin, which are then pulled tight to lift and define the cheekbones.
How Thread Lifts Work
- Immediate Lifting: The threads provide an immediate lifting effect, repositioning sagging fat and tissue.
- Collagen Stimulation: Over time, the threads stimulate collagen production, enhancing the skin’s firmness and texture.
The Procedure
- Consultation and Planning: Assessing facial structure, skin quality, and aesthetic goals to design a personalized treatment plan.
- Thread Insertion: Inserting thin threads under the skin using a needle or cannula.
- Lifting and Contouring: Pulling the threads tight to lift and define the cheekbones.
- Thread Fixation: Securing the threads in place to maintain the lift.
Benefits of Thread Lifts
- More noticeable results than fillers
- Minimal downtime
- Stimulates collagen production
- Can be combined with other treatments
Potential Risks and Side Effects
- Bruising and swelling
- Infection (rare)
- Thread migration
- Visible threads
- Asymmetry
3. Other Minimally Invasive Treatments
Besides dermal fillers and thread lifts, several other non-surgical treatments can enhance cheekbone definition and facial contour.
Radiofrequency (RF) Treatments
- FaceTite: Uses radiofrequency technology to tighten and contour the face, targeting the jawline, cheeks, and neck. Heats the tissue (skin and fat), reducing sagging and creating a more youthful appearance.
- FORMA Skin Tightening: Uses radio frequency (RF) energy to target the deep skin layers to firm and tighten the skin.
- Thermage: Tightens and recontours the skin using RF energy, lifting sagging skin, tightening uneven skin, and softening fine lines and wrinkles.
Ultrasound Treatments
- HIFU (High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound): A non-invasive technology that uses ultrasound energy to target deep skin layers, stimulating collagen production for firmer, tighter skin.
- Sofwave: Uses ultrasound energy to stimulate collagen production, improving skin texture and firmness while reducing fine lines & wrinkles.
Laser Treatments
- Endolift: Uses laser technology to target fat deposits and stimulate collagen, sculpting heavy jowls and saggy necks by tightening the skin from within.
Other Innovative Treatments
- TriDerma Bespoke: A tailored solution for firmer, tighter, radiant-looking skin.
- No-Needle Face Contouring: Uses fat zapping and ultrasound technology to sculpt the face and neck area without needles.
Choosing the Right Treatment
The best treatment for achieving sculpted cheekbones depends on individual goals, facial anatomy, and skin condition. Consulting with a qualified and experienced aesthetic practitioner is essential to determine the most appropriate option.
Factors to Consider
- Desired Outcome: Are you looking for subtle enhancement or more dramatic contouring?
- Budget: Different treatments have varying costs.
- Downtime: How much recovery time can you afford?
- Longevity: How long do you want the results to last?
- Risks and Side Effects: Understand the potential complications associated with each treatment.
Maintaining Your Sculpted Cheekbones
Regardless of the chosen treatment, maintaining the results requires a healthy lifestyle and proper skincare.
Tips for Long-Lasting Results
- Sun Protection: Protect your skin from sun damage with sunscreen and protective clothing.
- Hydration: Drink plenty of water to keep your skin hydrated and plump.
- Healthy Diet: Eat a balanced diet rich in antioxidants and nutrients.
- Regular Skincare: Follow a consistent skincare routine with products that support collagen production and skin health.
- Maintenance Treatments: Schedule periodic maintenance treatments to sustain the desired look.
Conclusion
Minimally invasive treatments offer a safe and effective way to achieve sculpted cheekbones without the risks and downtime of surgery. Whether you opt for dermal fillers, thread lifts, or other innovative techniques, consulting with a qualified practitioner is crucial to ensure the best possible results. By understanding the options available and following a proper maintenance plan, you can enjoy a more defined, youthful, and attractive facial contour.