Cheek augmentation and 8 point facelift

Cheek Augmentation

Cheek augmentation with dermal fillers can provide an instant lift to the face and improve facial proportions.

The anatomy of the ageing cheeks

Cheeks are a very important feature of the face and tend to droop and flatten with age. Anatomically, the fat pads that form the cheeks deflate, and fall downwards and inwards, exacerbating the nasolabial folds (folds from the corners of the nose to the mouth). There is resorption of maxilla (cheek bones) with ageing, which further exacerbates the descent of the cheeks. The tear troughs, or the junction between the lower eyelid and cheek becomes more pronounced as the cheek loses volume and fails to provide support to the area. Crows feet over the cheeks can also worsen as the cheeks lose volume and solar damage reduces the elasticity of the skin.

The ideal cheek structure

Cheeks need to have appropriate shape and size. The ogee curve, is a term that is commonly used in architecture, and describes an ‘S’ shaped curve where the peak of the cheek and the jawline provide the convexities. This is the ideal curvature of the cheek.

Also, if you observe the light reflection from a youthful cheek, you will notice that there is a certain point where this light reflection is strongest. Often this point coincides with the point of maximal projection. Dermal fillers can be used to highlight this point on the cheek.

Why should I have cheek enhancement?

This can be done for both anti-ageing purposes as well as in the younger patient for enhancing cheek proportions and facial balance. As cheek and facial proportions may become more disproportionate with ageing, cheek enhancement for anti-ageing also tends to have the positive effect also of restoring cheek and facial proportions. Replacing volume in the cheeks is therefore one of the most important areas to fill when rejuvenating the face. With inadequate cheek volume, the face can appear flattened and lack the natural youthful curves provided by fuller cheeks. Furthermore, the mid cheek can support the lower eyelid, and in many cases, revolumising the cheeks can improve the appearance of under eye bags.

The shape of the face can be reverted to a youthful ‘upside down triangle’ with cheek fillers from a more square shaped face.

Enhancing cheeks with dermal filler

Various dermal fillers can be injected into the cheeks. Cheek dermal filler is the most common way to replace lost volume. The amount of dermal filler required will vary from person to person, depending on the amount of volume loss to begin with and the degree of enhancement desired. There are also options to have longer lasting fillers which are slightly more expensive initially, but provide better value in the long term.

8 Point Facelift

The 8 Point Lift is a technique for restoring volume in 8 strategic areas, giving maximal lift and support using a relatively small amount of dermal fillers. The results are instant, with minimal discomfort or downtime.

This technique is ideal in anyone who is starting to notice some skin laxity. The most common things people with skin laxity report include:

• skin sagging or face ‘dropping’
• ‘tired’ looking under eye area
• jowls forming along the jawline

As we age, key areas of the face lose their volume. The 8 point lift targets these key areas using a hydrating dermal filler, to create a beautiful, naturally lifted result with minimal discomfort or downtime.

The 8 strategic lifting points are a general guideline which will be tailored to your needs. A personalised consultation is necessary to determine the best ‘total look’ for your face. The 8 key areas include:

1 & 2. Cheek bone/structure
A small amount of volume in the area enhances the cheek bones and often helps to lift the nasolabial folds.

3. Tear trough/midface
Reduces the appearance of tired hollows under the eyes. If you have significant hollows you may need additional product with a softer, more flexible dermal filler to help with this. Ask your clinician if this additional treatment is right for you.

4. Nasolabial fold adjacent to nose
This area often deepens with age, so adding volume here can help give a more youthful appearance. The presence of nasolabial folds suit some, while in others the look ages the face and dermal filler can be of benefit.

5. Mouth corners
The down turning of the mouth with age gives a ‘down frown’ that can make us look sad or bitter. Creating some support with dermal filler can not only lift the face, but make us look happier too!

6. Pre-jowl area
Loss of volume in the jaw, cheek and chin area can all contribute to jowl formation, so replacing volume in the hollow along the jawline, along with the other areas of the 8 Point Lift, can all help to reduce or improve jowls.

7. Jawline
As we age, we lose the squareness or angle of the jaw, which helps to lift and support the lower face, so the lower face starts to fall forward, contributing to jowls and sagging. A subtle enhancement of the angle of the jaw can help lift these areas. If you have significant loss of volume in this area you may require more product, and different techniques to get best results.

8. Lower cheek volume/buccal area
Hollowing of the buccal area can contribute to the ‘accordion’ smile lines and can make us look gaunt, while treating this area with filler can help to improve the natural curve and structure of the cheek.