44 Year Old. Subtle Result for Upper Cheek/ Tear Trough Volume Loss - United Kingdom, GB

In recent years, I have been interested in trying to repair my sun damaged skin. I have used Retin A for around four years or more now and have been astonished with the results and I have written a seperate review on my experiences with it.
In the last year though, I have really noticed a loss of volume beneath my eyes begin to return that was there before I started to use Retin A. You could say that Retin A turned the clock back about six years with collagen reproduction and about ten years or more with skin tone, smoothness and brightness etc.
In June of this year, I had a consultation with Dr Stawford about the possibility of getting my tear troughs filled with Restylane. I have read about so many horror stories though concerning this difficult to treat area and I was also concerned with having to continuously have regular and expensive maintenance treatment. Also, I didn't want a dramatic improvement, I just wanted a subtle result. I had my consultation with Dr Strawford and he carefully considered my concerns and convinced me to instead go for a filler called Ellanse in the upper cheek area as he felt this would help support my under eye area and give me the subtle look that I was hoping for. Ellanse also has the addd bonus of being longer lasting and the idea is that I would not need further treatment for at least eighteen to twenty-four months.
I found it difficult to find many reviews on this particular type of filler but after lots of searching and a further consultation with Dr Stawford, I felt completely reassured and was confident to go ahead.
Just one syringe of filler was injected in my upper cheeks and also a tiny bit from the same syringe was injected into my nose to mouth lines. The injections were not very painful but did feel very strange and I flinched like a big baby! If I have it done again in the future, I will know what to expect and will be more relaxed. Dr Strawford is an expert injector and has a fantastic technique. I was surprised at what little swelling I had and I did not have any bruising whatsoever. In fact, I went for lunch immediately afterwards to a busy restaurant.
I have added photos taken just before and after treatment and I have matched the lighting and positions as closely as possible so that you can compare the results.
Although you might find it difficult from looking at the photos to notice much difference, I am very pleased with the results. I almost wish I had gone ahead with a second syringe to add a little more volume and perhaps further address my nose to mouth and slight marionette lines. I think I might do this in the next month or two.
In an ideal world, I would still like my under eye hollows to be filled but all thing considered, I am happy (for now) to treat other areas of my face instead.

I was very pleased with my subtle results so decided to go for another syringe. It was used sparingly in several places, so again the overall results were subtle. The attached pic was taken a few days after the second treatment. I will try and take a pic in the same lighting and angle as the original two pics for better comparison but for now I just wanted to give a quick update.
The whole treatment was done in fifteen to twenty minutes and was painless; it was only slightly uncomfortable. I didn't suffer any bruising and had only very minimal redness for a couple of hours. I would highly recommend Ellanse. I love how it prompts the body to produce collagen and it is great that the effect is (reputed to be) longer lasting than most other fillers. I plan to update every now and then so that I can keep a record of how long it lasts for me.

It's been a year and a half since my last treatment of Ellanse and I am only just starting to notice it 'wearing off'. I think I'll be all set at the two year mark for another small treatment inn the upper cheek area. I have been very pleased and impressed with the results and longevity.