Precision, Product, and Practitioner at Mulberry House Clinic
Dermal fillers have revolutionised facial rejuvenation, offering a non-surgical path to smoother skin, restored volume, and enhanced contours.
However, an all-too-common concern for those considering treatment is the dreaded “hamster cheek” effect – an unnatural, overfilled appearance that detracts rather than enhances.
At Mulberry House Clinic in Hardingstone, we are committed to achieving beautiful, natural-looking results, and a key part of that is understanding how to expertly avoid this particular pitfall.
The Hamster Cheek Phenomenon: What It Is and Why It Happens
The “hamster cheek” refers to an undesirable outcome where the mid-face, particularly the malar (cheekbone) and submalar (below the cheekbone) regions, appears excessively plump, round and disproportionate to the rest of the face. This can manifest as:
- Over-projection of the cheeks:
The cheeks protrude too far forward. - Loss of natural facial contours:
The elegant S-curve from the temple to the cheekbone is replaced by a convex bulge. - A “shelf” appearance:
A noticeable demarcation line where the filler ends. - Exaggerated jowls:
Ironically, overfilling the mid-face can sometimes push soft tissue downwards, worsening the appearance of jowls.
The primary culprits behind the hamster cheek look are generally a combination of:
- Excessive Product Volume:
The most straightforward cause. Simply put, too much filler has been injected into an area. - Incorrect Product Choice:
Using a highly hydrophilic (water-attracting) filler in an area prone to swelling, or a very viscous (thick) filler in a superficial plane. - Suboptimal Injection Technique:
This is where true artistry and anatomical knowledge come into play. Incorrect placement, depth, and distribution of the filler are critical factors.
The “Less Is More” Mantra: It’s More Than Just Volume
While “less is more” is a fundamental principle in aesthetic medicine, it extends beyond simply using a smaller volume of product. It encompasses a philosophy of subtle enhancement, respecting individual anatomy, and understanding the long-term interaction of the filler with the surrounding tissues.
For instance, a seemingly small amount of a highly cross-linked hyaluronic acid filler, if placed incorrectly or in an area with limited tissue compliance, can still lead to an overfilled appearance. Conversely, a larger total volume, meticulously layered and strategically placed across multiple vectors and tissue planes, can yield a far more natural and harmonious result.
The Art and Science of Technique: Avoiding Overfilling
Avoiding the hamster cheek effect demands a sophisticated understanding of facial anatomy and a refined injection technique. A good result is never a case of simply adding some filler. Here are some key technical considerations we consider at Mulberry House Clinic:
- Anatomical Layering:
The face is composed of multiple layers: skin, subcutaneous fat, superficial muscular aponeurotic system (SMAS), deep fat compartments, and bone. Fillers can be placed at various depths. For natural cheek augmentation, often a combination of deep placement (supra-periosteal, directly on the bone) for structural support and more superficial (subcutaneous or deep dermis) for subtle contouring is employed. Injecting too much filler into the superficial fat compartments can lead to a puffy, unnatural look. - Vectoring and Fan Techniques:
Instead of injecting a large bolus in one spot, practitioners utilise fanning techniques (multiple passes from a single entry point) or linear threading along specific vectors to distribute the product evenly and blend it seamlessly with surrounding tissues. - Cannula vs. Needle:
While needles allow for precise, deep placement, cannulas (blunt-tipped instruments) can be safer for broader areas, reducing the risk of vascular complications and allowing for smoother product distribution in superficial planes. The choice depends on the specific area, desired effect, and practitioner preference. - Avoiding the “Pillow Face” Effect:
This is often linked to overfilling the medial cheek. We focus on enhancing the lateral and submalar aspects to lift and contour, rather than simply plumping the central face. - Consideration of Dynamic Anatomy:
The face moves. We assess how the filler will integrate with facial expressions to ensure results look natural both at rest and in motion. Overfilling can restrict natural movement and lead to an artificial appearance when smiling. - Gradual Approach and Staged Treatments:
For significant volume loss, it is often preferable to build volume gradually over two or more sessions. This allows the tissues to adapt and provides an opportunity to assess the results and make adjustments, preventing immediate overcorrection. - Respecting Ligamentous Attachments:
Facial ligaments provide support and structure. Understanding their location is crucial as they can influence how filler integrates and settles.
The Non-Negotiable: Choosing a Highly Trained and Experienced Practitioner
Ultimately, the most critical factor in avoiding the hamster cheek effect, and indeed in achieving any successful aesthetic outcome, is the practitioner.
At Mulberry House Clinic in Hardingstone, our commitment to patient safety and exceptional results is paramount. Here’s why choosing a highly trained and experienced practitioner like Dr. Tanqueray is non-negotiable:
- In-Depth Anatomical Knowledge: A skilled practitioner possesses a comprehensive understanding of facial anatomy, including the vascular and neural networks, fat compartments, and muscle actions. This knowledge is essential for safe and effective injection.
- Artistic Eye and Aesthetic Judgement: Beyond technical skill, a good injector has an innate artistic eye. They can assess your unique facial structure, identify areas of volume loss, and envision a result that harmonises with your features, rather than creating a generic “ideal.”
- Experience with Diverse Facial Types: Experience allows a practitioner to anticipate how different skin types, bone structures, and degrees of volume loss will respond to treatment.
- Proficiency in Various Techniques: An experienced practitioner is adept at using a variety of injection techniques (bolus, linear threading, fanning, micro-droplet) and can choose the most appropriate one for each specific area and desired outcome.
- Product Knowledge and Selection: They understand the rheological properties (viscosity, elasticity, cohesivity) of different fillers and select the most suitable product for the treatment area and the patient’s goals.
- Complication Management: While rare, complications can occur. A trained practitioner is equipped to recognise, prevent, and manage any adverse events.
- Ethical Practice and Patient Communication: An ethical practitioner will always prioritise your best interests, provide realistic expectations, and refuse treatment if it is not in your best aesthetic or medical interest. They will listen to your concerns and ensure you feel fully informed.
Your Path to Natural Rejuvenation at Mulberry House Clinic
At Mulberry House Clinic, we believe in subtle, sophisticated rejuvenation that enhances your natural beauty, rather than altering it. Our approach to dermal fillers is rooted in precision, a “less is more” philosophy, and an unwavering commitment to the highest standards of safety and artistry.
If you’re considering dermal fillers and want to ensure a beautiful, natural-looking result free from the worry of the “hamster cheek,” we invite you to book a consultation with us. Let us help you achieve a refreshed and revitalised appearance that truly reflects your best self.
Dermal Fillers
At Mulberry House Clinic, Northamptonshire
Mulberry House Clinic based in Northamptonshire has over 20 years experience of providing dermal fillers for a loyal clientele.
All filler treatments are carried out by former GP, clinic founder and Medical Director, Dr John Tanqueray, MB BCh MRCGP DCH DRCOG DipOccMed BCAM. He also carries out in depth consultation prior to every treatment, in order to assess the skin in detail and discuss client requirements before recommending the best course of treatment.
Dr Tanqueray offers advanced dermal filler treatments including
- 8-point face lift without surgery or exclusive Multi-Point face lift
- Non-surgical face lift
- Non-surgical neck lift
- Non-Surgical Nose Job
- Sculptra Injections
- Injections for skin quality including Profhilo Injections
Dr John Tanqueray has written an exclusive guide Secrets to Successful Dermal Filler Treatment which provides expert advice on how to make the right choices for your practitioner, product and treatment.
Mulberry House Clinic
Established 2003
Mulberry House Clinic has an excellent reputation in the Northampton area as an independent, doctor-led practice with over 20 years experience. Dr John Tanqueray is a former GP who can assess and diagnose skin conditions from a medical perspective before suggesting the most appropriate treatments.
A private consultation is the starting point for all patients in order to facilitate a full discussion about the desired results as well as detailed facial and skin assessment. Find out more about first consultation.
For further information or to arrange a confidential consultation, please complete our contact form, call 01604 702630 or email: info@mulberryhouseclinic.co.uk.
