Skin · 6 min read
Dermal Fillers Done Properly: Cheeks and Jawline
By Dr Hassan Soueid · MD, FRCS · Lead Surgeon, Kensington Cosmetic Clinic
Published 21 June 2026
TL;DR. Used well, dermal filler restores the support the face loses with age, lifting the cheeks and defining the jawline so the whole face looks fresher. Used badly, it bloats the face. The difference is restraint, anatomy and an experienced injector.
What filler is actually for
Most age-related change in the mid-face is lost structure, not lines. Replacing volume on the cheekbone subtly lifts the area below it, softening folds without touching them directly. The same principle sharpens a jawline that has lost definition.
How to avoid 'pillow face'
- Treat the cause, restore structure on the cheekbone, rather than chasing every line.
- Use the right amount in the right plane, then stop.
- Build gradually across visits rather than over-filling in one sitting.
Filler is reversible, within reason
Hyaluronic acid fillers can be dissolved if needed, which is one reason we favour them. That said, the goal is to place it so well that it never needs reversing.
When we suggest something else
If the issue is skin quality, a booster like Profhilo or microneedling is better. If there is true descent, no amount of filler substitutes for a lift, and we will say so.
Frequently asked
Questions we get asked about EnerPeel®
- How long does cheek and jawline filler last?
- Typically twelve to eighteen months, depending on the product and area, before a top-up is considered.
- Will filler make my face look puffy?
- Not when it is placed conservatively in the correct plane. Puffiness comes from over-filling, which we avoid.
- Is filler safe?
- In trained hands, hyaluronic acid filler has a strong safety record and is reversible. Injector experience is the key safety factor.