FAQs

Please see our most commonly asked questions below

What kind of results can be achieved?

Filler in the cheeks and midface can be beneficial for so many reasons. Often people are apprehensive about it looking unnatural but when done well it should integrate with your features seamlessly. As we age we start losing fat from our face. One of the first places to go is the malar fat pad in our cheeks. The fat gives volume to the cheeks and holds them up. We also start losing collagen that supports the cheek, so everything starts drooping down as the frame cannot support the cheek. As the cheek drops down, it can then cause other issues in the face such as heaviness in the lower face, tear troughs and smile lines. Filler in the cheeks and midface is able to help rebuild the frame and structure of the face which in turn can help the drooping and ageing of the face. It provides a strong support system that makes the overall face look a lot more youthful and rejuvenated. If you already have good volume then we can use cheek fillers on the sides of your cheeks to improve definition, give you a more lifted appearance and balance out your other features or give you a slimmer appearance to your lower face. Midface and cheek filler is often used in conjunction with tear trough or nose to mouth line filler. We always assess the face as a whole and often use a combination of small tweakments of filler in multiple areas to transform the face in a natural-looking way. The cheeks are like a ‘shelf’ for the other structures. Midface and cheek filler is also great for anyone who would like more definition in their cheeks and the midface especially if you feel your midface is flat and lacks definition. If you already have good volume then we can use cheek fillers on the sides of your cheeks to improve definition, give you a more lifted appearance and balance out your other features or give you a slimmer appearance to your lower face.

Who is this treatment suitable and not suitable for?

This treatment is brilliant for anyone who would like more support and definition added to their mid-face. This treatment is able to help indirectlyso many other parts of the face such as the tear trough and lower face. Filler in the cheeks and midface can be used alone or in conjunction with other treatments. We would need to do a thorough assessment of the whole face before we could decide the best treatment option for areas you are looking to treat. This treatment may not be suitable if you are carrying extra weight and have a lot of volume to your face. Whilst it may still lift and give you more definition, it may make your face appear larger which is not desirable. It is best to come for a consultation to discuss further. If you have a history of anaphylaxis or allergy to wasp stings, fillers may not be suitable for you. This is because you are likely to be allergic to the filler dissolving enzyme. We always have to ensure we are able to dissolve the filler in an emergency (see below for risks and side effects).

How long does it last?

On average cheek and midface filler will last for 12-18 months. However, this is an average time and for some people, the filler may dissolve more quickly because of their metabolism and for some people it may last longer. We find that with subsequent treatments, the results often last longer. After the first 2 sessions, you may find you do not need to come back for a couple of years. Please remember, most people need lower amounts of filler in subsequent sessions for the cheeks.

What is the recovery/downtime?

The results from this treatment can be seen instantly and there is very minimal swelling or downtime needed. Most people can go to work and social events on the same day but you must follow the aftercare rules. We advise you not to wear makeup for the first 4 hours and avoid intense exercise for the first 5 days. It is also normal to have subtle bumps and irregularities when you first get fillers done, most of this is swelling and will resolve. We do not recommend massage after fillers as it will make the swelling worse and you may flatten out the result and potentially cause migration. It is normal for your face to feel tight and restricted. Please give it 2-3 weeks to settle.

What are the side effects and risks?

Like all medical treatments, there are side effects and risks. Swelling and bruising are to be expected, as is some discomfort. The swelling can be significant for a small number of people and it can take up to 3 weeks for full healing. If your cheeks were uneven to begin with, it can be difficult to achieve symmetry. It is also normal to have subtle bumps and irregularities when you first get fillers done, most of this is swelling and will resolve. It is important to follow the aftercare to minimise migration risk and ensure the results last as long as possible. If you have a history of cold sores, any needles to the face can trigger a breakout of it. So please inform us in advance if you have had any cold sores in the past year. There is a very small risk of filler entering a blood vessel and blocking off the blood supply to the skin. This is called a vascular occlusion. This can result in permanent scarring of the overlying skin and, in extremely rare cases, blindness. As a medical clinic, we have all the equipment and enzymes available to reverse this and dissolve the filler. It is a condition that either happens during the appointment or in the first 48 hours after. We give extensive aftercare advice and are available to get in touch within this period to dissolve it. We have also reviewed every single treatment we carry out in clinic to modify the techniques to minimise the risk.

How painful is the treatment?

Numbing cream is not needed as this is not a very painful procedure. However, if you are apprehensive about pain or have a low threshold to pain, please ensure you take 1g of Paracetamol 1 hour before the procedure and inform the clinician so we can use numbing cream.

Duration

The appointment is 45 minutes long but the treatment itself takes 15 mins. If you have filler in multiple areas, the appointment will be longer. At No Filter Clinic we take our time assessing patients thoroughly, both at rest and with facial expressions so we can ensure the results integrate seamlessly with your features and your muscle movements. Our priority is to also ensure the treatment is safe and carried out to the highest standard.

No. of sessions

We are usually able to achieve the desired result in one session. We never like to inject more than what we think is suitable for your face and anatomy as this leads to a risk of it looking fake or migrating to other areas as there is only so much the skin can stretch. If you need further volume we normally recommend you come back after 1 month for a second treatment.

How will I look straight after?

You will be able to see the results of cheek and midface filler immediately. It can sometimes look a little bit more than the final result due to swelling. You may have some mild swelling and bruising but this will subside within 2 weeks. You can attend events the same day but must follow the aftercare rules.

How is it done?

We initially undertake a thorough assessment of your whole face to see if it is suitable for you and explain the extent of the result you are likely to achieve. We use a firm filler that lasts 12-18 months and use either a needle or cannula to inject the filler. When injected with the needle it has to sit on the bone. A cannula is a blunt tip instrument that looks like a needle but is not; it causes less bruising and swelling. It is inserted through a hole created by a needle. Sometimes we use a combination of both. At No Filter Clinic we believe in building up results slowly as the difference of a few millimetres can change the final look. So there may be numerous needle entry points but the discomfort is very manageable as the filler has local anaesthetic within it which numbs the area.

Can it be reversed?

At No Filter Clinic London we only use fully reversible fillers. This is because they are safer than permanent fillers and we can dissolve them in the case of an emergency and if for whatever reason you are not happy with the result. This gives fillers a significant advantage over surgery as they are not permanent. This does not mean you should get fillers just to try them out as the dissolving is not a simple procedure. You should only get fillers done if you have researched them thoroughly, feel comfortable getting the procedure done and are happy accepting the small risks and side effects which are all manageable. If you have a history of anaphylaxis or allergy to wasp stings, fillers may not be suitable for you. This is because you are likely to be allergic to the filler dissolving enzyme (Hyaluronidase). We always have to ensure we are able to dissolve the filler in an emergency (see risks and side effects).

What is the aftercare?

We send a thorough aftercare email to all our patients but please find a summary below.

What to do after treatment

Get some Arnica tablets from any pharmacy, this helps with bruising and swelling. Please do not wear make-up for 4 hours after treatment. In the evening of the treatment, you may gently wash your face and use your regular wash and lotions. Please skip any retinols or acids for the first night. Remain upright either sitting or standing for as long as possible and sleep with 3 pillows at night whilst there is swelling and oedema present. Do not sleep with pressure on the face and try to sleep on your back for 1 week.

If you are uncomfortable with the swelling, please take Loratadine/Cetirizine (normally used for hayfever) to help decrease this. If there is excessive swelling you may contact the clinic to obtain a prescription for steroids to help resolve your inflammation more quickly; prescriptions drugs are not appropriate if the degree is swelling is within normal parameters. Aside from this, there is, unfortunately, no quicker way to resolve swelling as it is a normal bodily reaction to trauma. Wash your face very carefully, applying no pressure to areas treated for 4 weeks.

What NOT to do after treatment

- No strenuous exercise or gardening for at least 1 week.
- Do not massage the area treated for the first 4 weeks following treatment.
- No facials or waxing for the first 2 weeks.
- Do not take aspirin, ibuprofen or other anti-inflammatory medication for 24 hours after treatment as this may increase bruising. You may take paracetamol or codeine if you are uncomfortable.
- Do not consume alcohol for 24 hours after receiving treatment. This increases the risk of bruising.
- Do not have a sauna, hot tub or go in a tanning booth for 2 weeks after treatment.
- Do not have radiofrequency, IPL, laser or any other heat treatments near the treated area for 2 weeks.

How many mls do I need?

This will vary from patient to patient depending on how much volume needs to be added to the cheeks and midface. An average minimum amount is 2 mls but some patients may need more. You will be advised in your consultation of how much filler will need to be applied to help you reach your desired result.

Which fillers do you use?

We use all the premium brands available. We use a mixture of Teoxane RHA4/Ultradeep, Stylage XL/XXL, and Juvederm Voluma/Volux depending on the patient and their individual needs. We only ever used hyaluronic acid-based fillers as they are fully reversible. This is essential for your safety.

How do I prepare before the appt?

Before your Appointment

1. Please stop using topical Retinols, Glycolic Acid, Lactic Acids, Salicylic Acid and medication used to treat persistent or cystic acne 5 days before your treatment. This will minimise pain and bruising. However, you do not need to stop if you have been using these for a long time and your skin is likely to flare up without them. If you are on prescription-grade cream to promote skin renewal and reduce breakouts, please get in touch before your appointment so we can discuss it and give individual advice.

2. Please stop using any Vitamin E supplements and Ibuprofen/Neurofen 5 days before your treatment. Please do not stop using any Aspirin (or any other medication) prescribed by your GP.

3. Laser treatments for the face, microneedling and chemical peels must be avoided 1 week before and after the treatment.

4. Please do not drink alcohol 24 hours before and after the procedure.

5. Make sure you eat something before your appointment and are well hydrated. This prevents feeling lightheaded during the procedure.

6. Taking 1 g of Paracetamol (2 tablets) 30 mins - 1 hour before your appointment is advisable as it will significantly reduce any discomfort during the procedure.

7. Please attend the appointment alone. There is limited space in the clinic and anybody with you will be asked to wait outside the building.

8. Please come to the appointment with makeup removed and minimal jewellery.

9. Please note, we are not able to carry out any Dermal Filler treatments if you are due to fly in the next 3 days. This is because of the small risk of vascular occlusion in the first 48 hours. Wrinkle relaxing injections, Profhilo and Aqualyx are fine.

How does the pricing work?

There are different pricing structures. Please see price list for more information.