Why Cheeks Are the Hottest New Filler Request at the Derm’s Office

No surprise here, but injectable fillers are one of the most requested in-office treatments available right now, and for good reason. With one visit to the dermatologist, people are able to plump their lips, soften facial creases, and restore shallow features. But one of our favorite capabilities of dermal fillers is probably the way in which they refresh the cheeks, which have been a desired beauty look for decades.

Since not all of us are genetically blessed with showstopping cheeks (especially as we age), dermal fillers are a huge asset for achieving this look without surgery. However, not every filler is considered equal when it comes to treating the cheek area. One of the latest options to launch, Restylane® Contour, has recently received approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for cheek augmentation and the correction of midface contour deficiencies, and it’s quickly become a favorite among experts for adding shapeliness to the cheek area.1

For those unfamiliar with the new filler, we tapped Miami dermatologist Stacy Chimento, MD to help break down everything there is to know about this exciting treatment, from what kind of results you can expect to how long it lasts. 

First, what is Restylane Contour?

“Restylane Contour is the newest member of the Restylane® hyaluronic acid filler portfolio1,” explains Dr. Chimento. “What makes this filler so unique is that its flexible gel allows for the product to be smoothly integrated into the tissue.2,3,4 This provides such a nice and elegant lift and contour, giving that amazing youthful-looking curve that is highly coveted among many of us when looking at ourselves in social media filters.1”

Restylane Contour is formulated with Galderma’s proprietary XpresHAn Technology™, which produces a unique hyaluronic acid cross-linking gel that offers subtle support and moves fluidly with your natural facial movements.1-3,5 “Restylane Contour, when placed strategically, will gently lift and reshape the cheek and midface to allow for a more youthful and ‘contoured’ appearance, without the individual looking over done,” confirms Dr. Chimento.1

Who is a good candidate for this filler?

Good candidates for Restylane Contour are typically patients who want to improve the soft volume in their midface or below the cheekbone to create a more contoured, natural-looking cheek.1 “The soft integration of the filler allows for a smooth convex contour and improvement of the mid-cheek groove,1,4 the line down the side of the cheek that often develops as we age,” says Dr. Chimento, adding that this treatment will not create that “shelf” look that can often be seen with other fillers when too much product is used.

How long does Restylane Contour last?

Everyone’s body is different, so it’s difficult to say exactly how long this filler will last for you. “I always give a range to my patients,” says Dr. Chimento. “Per the studies, this filler can last up to one year.1” According to Dr. Chimento, 98 percent of patients* in a study conducted by the brand were pleased with the contour of their cheeks at 12 months.1,6†‡

Are there any possible side effects patients should be aware of?

Like all fillers, Restylane Contour can come with a few common side effects, like swelling, redness, pain, itching at the injection site, tenderness and potential bruising which can last from a few days to up to a week.1 “More serious side effects of any dermal filler can include lumps, severe swelling, skin necrosis or wounds if injected into a blood vessel, or an allergic reaction,” warns Dr. Chimento. “In my experience, Restylane Contour has a very low side effect profile, leaving the patient looking amazing.1” 

The bottom line 

If you’re looking to boost your cheek area—whether that’s to achieve a more contoured look or simply restore age-related volume loss in the midface—Restylane Contour is a great option to consider.1 “Patients absolutely have nothing but great things to say about the product,” confirms Dr. Chimento. “It makes such a subtle and beautiful enhancement without feeling like they look overdone or distorted.”

As always, be sure to consult with a board certified and properly accredited provider to confirm this treatment is right for you. With such positive feedback from patients who have undergone this injectable treatment, you’ll likely be happy you did.

References

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.

Lundgren B, Sandkvist U, BordierN, et al. Using a new photo scale to compare product integration of different hyaluronan-based fillers after injection in human ex vivo skin. J Drugs Dermatol. 2018;17(9):982-986.

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.

© 2021 Galderma Laboratories, L.P. All trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

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