The Dreaded Chipmunk Cheeks and Pillow Face
We are all familiar with the image. That celebrity photo gone viral that prompts us to wonder, “What has happened to those cheeks?” Indeed, it can be disconcerting to see a once familiar, gorgeous face transformed into an unnaturally plumped–and sometimes unrecognizable–visage. We surmise that a cosmetic treatment was involved, but what exactly went wrong? What led to the odd overstuffed, puffed outlook?
“Chipmunk cheeks” and “pillow face” occur as a result of over-injecting the face with dermal fillers. Today, injectable fillers are one of the most popular cosmetic treatments–and for excellent reason. They offer a safe, effective, non-invasive solution in the battle of aging. Most significantly, they help address one of the most pressing age-related aesthetic concerns –loss of facial volume.
As we age, we lose facial volume, leading to a sunken or hallowed appearance. To counteract this, it is necessary to augment the volume. Other treatments, such as Botox, may smooth out the creases, but injectable dermal fillers are the real volume boosters. When the injections are performed properly, the results can be outstanding.
Injectable Fillers – What You Want
With dermal fillers, technique is everything. When correcting volume loss, it is important to remember aging skin loses elasticity. As a consequence, the skin will not hold volume in quite the same way it once did. If left unchecked, the use of dermal fillers, in combination with less resilient skin, can lead to unpredictable results. In order to avoid an unnatural and overly plump appearance, care must be taken when restoring volume back in the cheek area.
Increasing volume does not mean that the face should be injected with undue amounts of filler. Though it may be tempting, the tendency to want more can backfire, producing an exaggerated appearance rather than the desired natural, subtly more youthful look. Overfilling the cheeks can disrupt the natural contour balance of the face, affecting the shape of the eyes and creating a disproportionate mouth area.
Deeper filler placement, along the cheekbone, can have an actual lifting and supporting effect, provided that the filler is stiff enough to hold up a patient’s tissues. More superficial placement of fillers only adds volume, which may further weigh down the cheeks. The proper balance of support and volumizing, as well as the right choice of product, are the keys to appropriate cheek volumization.
Beyond Compare
Photo Gallery
Dr. Westreich’s talent and capabilities as a facial plastic surgeon are beyond compare. Please take a moment to view our beautiful photo gallery to see for yourself the exquisite results that are possible when you undergo surgery with one of the top surgeons NYC has to offer.
Injectable Fillers and Natural Results With Dr. Westreich in NYC
If you are considering a restorative volume treatment, it is important to find the right practitioner. Dr. Westreich, a New York double board-certified cosmetic surgeon, understands facial anatomy and, most importantly, the aging process. Dr. Westreich has the delicate touch and keen sense of aesthetic proportions that is needed to enhance volume and give natural results. To gently plump up the sunken areas of the face, he frequently uses the hyaluronic acid-based injectable fillers Restylane –L® and Juvéderm Voluma XC®–the only injectable that is FDA approved to restore volume in the cheeks. Radiesse®, a collagen stimulating volumizing compound, is another option he may choose to combat the signs of aging. Whatever filler he uses, he will expertly administer only the amount needed to yield the best results.
If you would like to learn more about how dermal fillers can rejuvenate your appearance, schedule a consultation with Dr. Westreich in New York City. Dedicated to helping you achieve your beauty goals, Dr. Westreich will recommend the best option for your skin.
Injectable Fillers and Natural Results With Dr. Westreich in NYC
If you are considering a restorative volume treatment, it is important to find the right practitioner. Dr. Westreich, a New York double board-certified cosmetic surgeon, understands facial anatomy and, most importantly, the aging process. Dr. Westreich has the delicate touch and keen sense of aesthetic proportions that is needed to enhance volume and give natural results. To gently plump up the sunken areas of the face, he frequently uses the hyaluronic acid-based injectable fillers Restylane –L® and Juvéderm Voluma XC®–the only injectable that is FDA approved to restore volume in the cheeks. Radiesse®, a collagen stimulating volumizing compound, is another option he may choose to combat the signs of aging. Whatever filler he uses, he will expertly administer only the amount needed to yield the best results.
If you would like to learn more about how dermal fillers can rejuvenate your appearance, schedule a consultation with Dr. Westreich in New York City. Dedicated to helping you achieve your beauty goals, Dr. Westreich will recommend the best option for your skin.
