Cheek Fillers Melbourne

Cheek fillers in Melbourne are used to address changes in midface structure and volume following medical assessment. At Clarendon Medical in South Melbourne, discussion about cheek fillers begins with a consultation. The purpose of this appointment is to understand your concerns, review your medical history, and determine whether treatment is appropriate.

Cheek contouring in Melbourne involves more than volume augmentation. It requires evaluation of structural support within the midface and consideration of how this influences adjacent areas such as the tear trough and nasolabial fold. Not all patients who present with concerns about midface volume require treatment, and in some cases, no intervention is indicated.

Our approach is conservative and medically guided. Where treatment is considered, planning is proportionate and anatomy-led.

Understanding Midface Structure and Volume Changes

The midface provides structural support to the central and lower face. It includes the cheekbone complex, deep fat compartments, superficial fat pads, connective tissue support, and overlying skin.

Changes may occur across multiple layers:

• Skeletal remodelling may reduce projection.
• Deep fat compartments may reduce in volume.
• Superficial fat pads may descend.
• Skin quality may change due to reduced collagen and elastin.

When midface support changes, the effects are not isolated. The tear trough may appear more pronounced when support from the cheek reduces. Nasolabial folds may become more visible as tissues shift inferiorly. The lower face can appear heavier when structural support from above diminishes.

These changes vary significantly between individuals. Assessment of midface volume in Melbourne therefore requires layered evaluation rather than focusing on a single feature.

What Are Cheek Fillers

Cheek fillers are prescription-only injectable treatments, most commonly composed of hyaluronic acid. Hyaluronic acid is naturally present in the body and is used in medical settings for its structural and hydrating properties.

In the context of non-surgical cheek enhancement in Melbourne, dermal fillers may be used to provide structural support where clinically indicated. They do not prevent ageing. They do not reposition tissues in the way surgical procedures can. They are not permanent.

Any decision to proceed follows medical assessment and discussion of risks, limitations, and alternatives.

Why Structural Placement Matters

Cheek contouring requires careful anatomical planning. The medial cheek, lateral cheek, and zygomatic arch each contribute differently to facial proportion.

Medial cheek support may influence the tear trough and nasolabial fold. Lateral projection can affect facial width and contour. Superficial placement in an inappropriate plane may increase the risk of irregularity or heaviness.

For this reason, conservative dosing and detailed anatomical knowledge are essential. Increasing volume does not necessarily improve proportion. Overcorrection may disrupt balance and can be difficult to reverse fully.

Facial anatomy differs between individuals. Bone structure, fat distribution, muscle activity, and skin thickness vary. Some patients may benefit from subtle structural support. Others may not be suitable for filler treatment.

Areas That May Be Assessed During Consultation

During consultation at Clarendon Medical South Melbourne, assessment may include:

• Lateral cheek projection
• Medial midface support
• Zygomatic arch contour
• Relationship between cheek support and tear trough
• Contribution of midface structure to nasolabial folds
• Facial symmetry and proportion

Assessment does not imply that treatment will be recommended.

Consultation Process at Clarendon Medical South Melbourne

Consultations are conducted by a doctor and include:

• Comprehensive medical history
• Review of prior cosmetic treatments
• Structured facial assessment
• Discussion of concerns and expectations
• Explanation of potential risks and limitations
• Consideration of alternative approaches

Where treatment is considered, you will receive information regarding recovery, potential side effects, and cost. A cooling-off period is provided before proceeding with any cosmetic injectable treatment.

There is no obligation to undergo treatment following consultation.

Suitability and Contraindications

Cheek fillers are not suitable for everyone. Suitability can only be determined following medical assessment.

Treatment may not be recommended if you:

• Are pregnant or breastfeeding
• Have an active infection in the treatment area
• Have certain autoimmune conditions
• Have a history of severe allergic reactions
• Have a bleeding disorder
• Are taking medications that increase bleeding risk
• Have experienced previous complications with dermal fillers
• Have expectations that are not medically appropriate

Accurate disclosure of medical history and prior treatments is essential for safe planning.

Risks and Considerations

All cosmetic injectable treatments carry risk.

Common side effects include:

• Swelling
• Bruising
• Tenderness
• Redness
• Temporary asymmetry

These are usually transient but vary between individuals.

Less common risks include:

• Irregular contour or lump formation
• Delayed inflammatory reactions
• Filler migration
• Infection

A rare but serious risk of dermal filler treatment is vascular occlusion. This occurs when filler material disrupts blood flow within a vessel. In rare cases, this may result in tissue injury. Very rarely, if blood supply to the eye is compromised, vision complications may occur.

No injection technique eliminates risk entirely. Conservative patient selection and detailed anatomical knowledge are critical components of risk reduction.

What to Expect After Treatment

If you proceed with cheek filler treatment following consultation, temporary swelling or tenderness may occur.

Mild asymmetry may be present during the initial settling phase. It can take several days to weeks for swelling to resolve and for the treated area to stabilise.

Follow up may be recommended to review the outcome and determine whether adjustment is appropriate. Individual responses vary.

FAQ’s

Q1: How long do cheek fillers last?
A1: Longevity varies depending on anatomy, metabolism, injection depth, and product characteristics. Hyaluronic acid fillers may persist for many months and sometimes longer than expected. They are not permanent.

Q2: Are cheek fillers reversible?
A2: Hyaluronic acid fillers can be dissolved using hyaluronidase in selected situations. Reversal is not always straightforward and is approached carefully.

Q3: Can cheek fillers improve the tear trough area?
A3: In some cases, structural support in the midface may influence the appearance of the tear trough. Direct treatment of this area carries additional risk and requires a separate assessment.

Q4: Are cheek fillers suitable for younger patients?
A4: Suitability is based on anatomical assessment rather than age alone. Preventative use of dermal fillers is not routinely recommended.

Q5: What are the risks of cheek fillers?
A5: Risks include swelling, bruising, asymmetry, infection, vascular occlusion, and rare vision complications. These are discussed in detail during consultation.

Q6: How much product is required for cheek contouring?
A6: The amount varies between individuals and depends on structural requirements. Treatment is planned conservatively and proportionately.

Disclaimer

This information is provided for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Cosmetic injectable treatments are prescription-only procedures requiring medical assessment. Individual suitability varies. A consultation with a qualified medical practitioner is required before any treatment is undertaken.