Tiếng ViệtInjecting fillers to reduce cheekbones is becoming a popular beauty trend, chosen by many to create a slimmer, more harmonious V-line face. However, in many cases, after the injection, people experience a stiff, unnatural-looking face, significantly affecting their facial expressions and confidence in daily interactions. So why can cheekbone reduction injections lead to this situation? This HBIO Clinic article will help you understand the causes and guide you on how to handle it according to medical standards, so you can be more confident when choosing to beautify yourself with cheekbone reduction fillers.
Does cheekbone reduction injection cause a stiff, unnatural look?
Cheekbone reduction filler injections are a popular cosmetic procedure to enhance and fill the cheekbone area, making the face more slender and defined. However, many people still wonder if injecting filler in this area can cause a stiff, unnatural-looking face?
The answer is: It can happen, but not everyone will experience it, and it is entirely preventable.
Facial stiffness after injections usually stems from several specific causes, including:
Causes of Facial Stiffness After Cheekbone Reduction Injections
Cheekbone reduction injections (reducing muscle mass or contouring the cheekbone area with Botox/filler) can cause facial stiffness. Some common causes include:
Incorrect filler injection technique (wrong injection location or layer)
If the doctor injects filler too shallow (under the skin) or too deep (touching muscles or nerves), it will harden the filler or put pressure on the muscles, causing facial muscles to lose elasticity, making movement difficult, leading to a stiff, unnatural feeling.
If filler is injected over the orbicularis oris muscle or the levator labii superioris muscle, it can restrict mouth muscle movement, making the face stiff and unnatural.
Using unsuitable filler (too high viscosity or cohesion)
Large-molecule, high-cohesion fillers are often used to fill the cheeks or chin, but using the wrong type or dosage can cause hard lumps and an unnatural-looking face.
Injecting too much filler at once
Injecting too much filler at once causes the skin tissue to swell suddenly, reducing the flexibility of facial muscles and leading to a stiff and unnatural feeling during movement.
In addition, excess filler can easily cause clumping or displacement, further making the face look unnatural.
Inflammatory or allergic reactions after injection
Although rare, fillers can cause inflammatory reactions and edema, damaging the facial muscles. Prolonged inflammation that is not treated promptly can cause soft tissue contraction, resulting in long-term facial stiffness.
Inexperienced doctors and substandard equipment
Inexperienced doctors are prone to incorrect injection techniques, choosing unsuitable filler types, or mishandling complications.
Using poor-quality needles or needles that are too large can also easily damage soft tissue, causing facial muscle stiffness.
How long does facial stiffness last after cheekbone reduction injections?
Facial stiffness after cheekbone reduction injections typically lasts 3–7 days if due to swelling, edema, or tissue tightness – this is a normal reaction and will improve on its own.
It can last several weeks to several months if the stiffness is due to incorrect injection technique, the use of low-quality filler, or filler compressing facial muscles.
If after 7 days your facial expression remains stiff, you have a forced smile, or feel any unusual sensations in the injection area, you should visit a reputable aesthetic clinic for examination and treatment. Filler dissolution may be necessary for a more natural recovery.
How to Fix Facial Stiffness After Cheekbone Reduction Injections
Facial stiffness after cheekbone reduction filler injections causes many people to worry because of stiff expressions, unnatural smiles, and even a feeling of heaviness or slight imbalance in the face. However, if detected early and treated correctly, this condition can be completely improved without long-term consequences. Below are some common and safe ways to address it:
Monitoring and Care for the First 3–7 Days
Immediately after injection, the cheek area may be slightly swollen, tight, and expression may not be fully developed. During this time, you should:
- Apply a gentle cold compress for the first 24–48 hours to reduce swelling.
- Limit strenuous facial movements such as laughing loudly or chewing forcefully.
- Avoid lying on your side that puts pressure on the injection area for 2–3 days.
If the stiffness is only due to swelling and tissue instability, expression will return to normal after about 5–7 days.
Gentle massage (if directed)
In some cases, your doctor may instruct you to gently massage the area to help the filler spread more evenly. Absolutely do not self-massage or forcefully manipulate the area without instructions, as this may displace the filler or cause tissue damage.
Follow-up appointment if facial stiffness lasts more than 7 days
If after 1 week the cheek area is still stiff, difficult to smile, feels asymmetrical, or “stiff like a statue,” you need to return to the aesthetic clinic for a check-up by the doctor. You may be experiencing:
- Filler clumping or accumulation in the wrong location
- Incorrect injection layer – incorrect technique
- Filler compressing muscles or nerves
Filler dissolving injection (hyaluronidase) if needed
If the cause is due to incorrect injection technique or the use of an unsuitable filler type, the doctor may prescribe filler dissolving injection using the enzyme hyaluronidase. This is a quick and safe way to remove excess or misplaced filler, thereby restoring the natural expression of the face.
The dissolving injection process usually only takes 10–15 minutes and the results can be seen within 24–48 hours.
How to Minimize Facial Stiffness After Cheekbone Reduction Injections
If cheekbone reduction injections are performed incorrectly or aftercare is inadequate, you may experience facial stiffness and unnatural expressions. To minimize this risk, you should note the following:
Choose a reputable facility and a highly qualified doctor.
This is the most important factor determining the safety and effectiveness of the injection process.
- The doctor must have a thorough understanding of facial anatomy and the correct injection technique – at the right points – to avoid damaging muscles and nerves.
- They must also be able to assess and select the appropriate filler type based on each client’s individual characteristics, skin condition, and aesthetic goals.
At HBIO Clinic, you can rest assured that the entire filler injection process is performed by certified cosmetic dermatologists. Clients will receive thorough examinations and personalized treatment plans, ensuring natural-looking results without worrying about a stiff or asymmetrical appearance.
Using high-quality fillers with clear origins:
- Only genuine fillers that have been quality-tested and are suitable for the cheek area should be used.
- Filters with moderate softness and good integration capabilities will help the face look more natural after injection.
At HBIO, all filler products used are sourced from Europe, tested, and licensed for distribution in Vietnam.
Avoid injecting too much filler at once:
- Overdosing can cause tissue tension, leading to stiff facial muscles and difficulty expressing emotions.
- A doctor must assess the appropriate amount of filler, injecting it layer by layer and evenly to avoid clumping, asymmetry, or a stiff face.
Follow the post-injection care instructions:
- Do not touch or press hard on the injection area for the first 48 hours.
- Avoid lying on your side, face down, or making strenuous facial movements.
- Arrive for follow-up appointments as scheduled so your doctor can monitor and adjust if necessary.
In short, a stiff face after cheekbone reduction injections is often due to improper injection technique, unsuitable filler, or incorrect post-injection care. But don’t worry, if detected early and treated correctly, this condition can be improved quickly and safely.
The key to avoiding risks is choosing a reputable facility with highly skilled doctors who understand anatomy and standard injection techniques. At HBIO Clinic, each filler injection case is designed with a personalized protocol, committed to delivering a natural, soft, and non-stiff appearance.
Let HBIO accompany you on your journey to safe beauty, helping you confidently shine with a radiant face and the most natural expressions!
Dr. Thai Nguyen – Founder and Medical Director of HBIO Clinic. As an expert in aesthetic dermatology, she regularly shares in-depth knowledge and practical experience to provide valuable and insightful information for those seeking better skin health.