Cheek Filler Techniques: Medial V Lateral Treatments

How are your cheek filler techniques? Are you confident in understanding the difference between medial cheek filler approaches versus lateral treatments?

Cheek filler can have a number of rejuvenating and beautifying effects, depending on the placement.

In general, it’s used to restore volume and enhance the shape and contour of the cheeks. This provides a more youthful and ‘lifted’ appearance to the mid-face.

This popular treatment is incredibly versatile due to the breadth of mid-face areas we can treat by varying our approach. Each can address various common patient concerns, such as volume loss, asymmetry and even complaints of looking tired.

As such, it’s incredibly important to really get to the bottom of what your patient is looking for when they ask for “cheek fillers”. So always be sure to cover this thoroughly in your clinical consultation.

CHOOSE THE BEST CHEEK FILLER APPROACH FOR YOUR PATIENT

Knowing whether to treat the lateral cheeks (outer part of the cheeks), the medial cheeks (inner part of the cheeks) or both is crucial. This depends on various factors, including the patient’s facial anatomy, aesthetic goals, and your own experience as an aesthetic practitioner.

It is widely suggested that cheek filler can ‘lift’ the face. However, this is up for debate – is it true ‘lift’ or just changing how light interacts with the peaks and troughs of the face? The aesthetic outcome either way is usually pleasant in the right patient.

OPTING TO TREAT THE LATERAL CHEEKS

It’s wise to consider treating the lateral cheeks when you want to add or restore volume and/or balance. Treating this area is also thought to contribute the most ‘lift’ capacity. Here are a few examples of when this approach is appropriate...

Volume loss in the lateral cheeks due to ageing or other factors

Lateral mid-face asymmetry

Aesthetic goals, where the patient requests contouring of the outer part of their cheeks to achieve a specific, sculpted aesthetic look or to create a ‘lifting’ effect in the mid-face.

Customised treatment plans and a thorough understanding of facial anatomy are key to achieving safe and natural-looking results in each instance.

WHEN MEDIAL CHEEK FILLER IS MORE APPROPRIATE

Medial cheek filler is useful when addressing infraorbital hollowing. It addresses the flattening of the ogee curve as patients age. Using medial cheek filler here also allows you to provide indirect tear trough filler treatment. It’s a great option to consider in patients who are unsuitable for direct tear trough treatment.

In addition to providing support to the tear trough region, this treatment can also give the illusion of a slight ‘lift’. The overall result should be one of a more refreshed appearance. This can make it worthwhile for patients who are concerned about looking tired.

TREATING THE CHEEKS BOTH MEDIALLY AND LATERALLY

Your approach should always be based on your individual patient’s unique anatomy and concerns. However, in many cases there are advantages to treating both the medial and lateral cheeks.

Aesthetic harmony: The medial and lateral cheeks are interconnected. They work together to create the overall shape and contour of the cheeks and mid-face. Treating both areas with filler can help achieve a balanced and harmonious result, by ensuring volume is distributed evenly and proportionally across the cheeks.

Comprehensive volume restoration: Volume loss in the cheeks typically affects both the medial and lateral cheeks. By treating both areas with filler, it allows for more comprehensive volume restoration, by addressing both the central and outer parts of the cheeks. This can help achieve a more natural and youthful appearance.

Structural support: The medial and lateral cheeks provide structural support to the mid-face. As such, cheek filler administered both medially and laterally can help to support the surrounding tissues. It can also ‘lift’ the cheeks and enhance the overall facial contour. This approach can also be used to improve the appearance of nasolabial folds.

Longevity of results: Treating both the medial and lateral cheeks can help ensure that your cheek filler results are more evenly distributed and longer-lasting. If only one part of the cheeks is treated, the untreated part will continue to lose volume. This could then potentially lead to an uneven or disharmonious outcome over time.

This approach - as well as the individual techniques - are covered in-depth in our Cheeks, Mid-Face and Lower Face Filler Masterclass. A fantastic option for anyone looking to hone their cheek filler skills, this intensive small-group course really builds confidence.

CHEEK FILLER TRAINING FOR DOCTORS, DENTISTS, NURSES & Clinical pharmacists

Harley Academy offers a range of aesthetics training courses for doctors, dentists, nurses and clinical pharmacists.

From Foundation or Core Training in Botox & Dermal Fillers, to our industry-leading, Master’s level qualification, the Level 7 Diploma in Botox & Dermal Fillers, you’ll learn cheek filler skills appropriate to your level of experience.

You’ll learn about the relevant theory and anatomy as well as enjoying hands-on mentored training in the whole patient journey.

From the consultation and patient assessment, to treatment planning, product choice and carrying out treatments under our clinical trainers’ guidance, you’ll gain the knowledge and skills you need to administer safe and effective cheek filler treatments.

Call our Courses team on 020 3859 7598 for personalised advice on finding the best medical aesthetics training course for your needs. Alternatively, you can book a call back for a time that’s convenient for you. Or you can now drop them a WhatsApp message with all your queries.

All information correct at the time of publication