In today’s world, injectables for your face have become rather commonplace. So much so, that it can be easy to become flippant about those small needle pokes—especially when it comes to the ever-so-popular cheek fillers. However, cheek filler is still a big decision (after all, it is a medical procedure) and should be taken seriously.
“Patients should understand the ins and outs of the procedure and the recommended after-care steps [even before they schedule their treatment so they understand what the full process entails],” explains Miami, FL dermatologist Stacy Chimento, MD. Translation: You must do your homework before signing up for cheek filler. And with an innovative option called Restylane Contour available now, we’re here to help guide you along all that necessary research.
In order to ensure you have the best experience possible with this specific cheek filler, we asked Dr. Chimento for a list of the most important questions you should be asking in your consultation before going in for your treatment.
1. What are your qualifications?
Before booking your appointment, you should research your injector’s credentials online to ensure they have the education and proper training to perform your injections. Not only should you check their background and experience, but you should also flip through their before-and-after images of real patients to make sure they can provide the results you’re looking for.
2. Am I a good candidate for cheek filler?
Once you determine that your injector is qualified to perform your treatment, have them assess your features and make sure that filler is the best option for you. Cheek filler helps lift the midface and restore volume loss in the cheeks, an underlying cause of facial aging. Cheek filler, like Restylane Contour, provides a subtle, natural-looking enhancement.1
3. What kind of results can I expect from Restylane Contour?
Typically, those who receive treatment with Restylane Contour can expect a gentle and elegant lifting effect as well as a youthful-looking curve along their cheekbones.1-4
Per the studies conducted by Restylane Contour, the filler can last up to 1 year, and 98 percent of patients* were pleased with the contour of their cheeks at 12 months.1,5†‡ However, it’s important to understand that results vary.1 “No two patients are the same, and the same can be said of their skin type, elasticity, etc.,” adds Dr. Chimento. “Results, including the duration of effect, will vary, so the injector should be managing expectations from the beginning.”
4. How does Restylane Contour compare to other filler options on the market?
If you’re looking to boost your cheek area, Restylane Contour is a great option to consider. While there are various cheek fillers on the market, this pick features the brand’s proprietary XpresHAn TechnologyTM to move with natural facial expressions while providing restored cheek shape and definition.1-4 Ultimately, you won’t be left with an overdone look and each facial movement will look and feel natural.
5. Is there anything I should do prior to the procedure to prepare?
In order to help avoid unwanted side effects with any fillers, it’s advised to skip taking any supplements that could increase potential bruising, such as NSAIDS or fish oil for two weeks pre-treatment. It’s also best to avoid alcoholic beverages in the days leading up to your appointment.
6. What can I expect during my appointment?
Not every filler appointment will be the same, but it will generally start with your injector walking you through what to expect during the aesthetics procedure appointment and examining you to see exactly where injections are needed. Sometimes you’ll receive numbing cream (but not always!), and once you’ve discussed your aesthetics goals, the injections will begin.
7. Is there a specific protocol I should follow after my appointment?
Post-treatment, it’s possible that you’ll have some mild bruising or swelling, but overall, there should be very little downtime, if any at all. It’s recommended to not partake in any strenuous exercise for the first 48 hours after treatment to prevent the filler from possibly moving, and you should ice the area immediately after the injections occur.
8. What are some potential side effects of dermal fillers?
“It is crucial that patients are educated on the potential side effects, as side effects such as bruising may play an important factor when scheduling injections,” says Dr. Chimento.
The most common adverse events after initial treatment with Restylane Contour include bruising, redness, swelling, pain, tenderness, and itching at the injection site.
Beyond these, there are more serious complications such as an allergic reaction to the filler, tissue necrosis, or nerve damage. In your appointment, be sure to discuss with your provider exactly how they would handle a complication should it arise.1
- Restylane Contour Instructions for Use. Galderma Laboratories, L.P., 2021.
- Philipp-Dormston WG, Schuster B, Podda M. Perceived naturalness of facial expression after hyaluronic acid filler injection in nasolabial folds and lower face. J Cosmet Dermatol. 2020;19:1600-1606.
- Öhrlund Å. Evaluation of rheometry amplitude sweep cross-over point as an index of flexibility for HA fillers. JCDSA. 2018;8:47-54.
- Segura S, Anthonioz L, Fuchez F, Herbage B. A complete range of hyaluronic acid filler with distinctive physical properties specifically designed for optimal tissue adaptations. J Drugs Dermatol. 2012;11(1Suppl):s5-s8.
- Data on file. 43USV1704 Clinical Study Report. Fort Worth, TX: Galderma Laboratories, L.P., 2021.
*Patients = clinical trial subjects
†FACE-Q rating of “Somewhat agree” or “Definitely agree” with questions
‡Patients* (N=60) had Restylane Contour treatment with both needle and cannula devices in a split-face study
Important Safety Information
Indication: Restylane® Contour is indicated for cheek augmentation and correction of midface contour deficiencies in patients over the age of 21.
Restylane Contour should not be used by people with severe allergies, particularly to microorganisms known as gram-positive bacteria, or by people with serious allergies to drugs that have previously required in-hospital treatment. This product should not be used by people with bleeding disorders and should not be injected anywhere except just under the skin. Restylane Contour should not be used in people with a known allergy to lidocaine, or by women who are pregnant or breastfeeding.
The most common adverse events after initial treatment include bruising, redness, swelling, pain, tenderness, and itching at the injection site. Use at the site of skin sores, pimples, rashes, hives, cysts, or infection should be postponed until healing is complete. In these instances, product use could delay healing or make skin problems worse.
This product should not be injected into the blood vessels as it may cause vascular occlusion, infarction, or embolic phenomena. Use with caution in patients recently treated with anticoagulant or platelet inhibitors to avoid bleeding and bruising.
Restylane Contour is available only through a licensed practitioner. Complete Instructions for Use are available at www.RestylaneUSA.com.
