Are you looking to get some work done on your face and can’t decide between fillers versus an implant procedure? You're not alone! Today, this debate has taken a notch higher as people seek the best means of attaining their desired looks.
Facial implants are composed of silicone or other suitable material and can be used to shape the jawline, cheekbones, or chin. However, the fillers mostly made of hyaluronic acid are injectable solutions that are temporary but flexible enough to improve your looks.
About 5 million people choose fillers in 2022 because of their quick results and minimal downtime. But don’t count out implants yet, as they are becoming a popular long-term solution as opposed to the typical therapies that need touch-ups every few months.
Therefore, the real question is not what is better, but what will work for you given a bunch of constants and lifestyle factors.
Let’s find out!
What Are Facial Implants?
Facial implants are solid devices (pre-shaped), made of silicone or polyethene that are specifically designed to enhance or reconstruct facial shape.
These implants are placed subcutaneously to enhance a particular location, correct asymmetry, and enhance the shape of facial features such as chin, jaw, and cheeks.
Types of Implants
There are many types of face implants, all of which are created to address a specific region of the face. The most common types include:
1. Cheek Implants
Cheek implants are placed to increase the prominence of the cheekbone. If you have flat or underdeveloped cheeks and you want to achieve a youthful and chiseled look, then they are ideal for you.
2. Chin Implants
Chin implants, otherwise known as genioplasty implants, are primarily used to increase the size and shape of the chin.
The primary purpose of chin implants, also known as genioplasty implants, is to enhance the size and form of the chin.
You can get them if you have a small or sagging chin and you would like an enhanced profile.
Chin Implant Types: What Are the Different Options?
There are different chin implant types, for instance:
● Silicone implants— They are the most common, and long-lasting option, silicone implants feel natural.
● Medpor (Porous Polyethylene) implants – Integrate with surrounding tissues for a firmer, more stable result.
● Gore-Tex implants – Known for their flexibility and soft texture.
● Custom 3D printed implants– Designed specifically for a patient’s unique facial structure.
The type you choose will depend on whether you want a specific outcome and facial anatomy.
3. Nose implants
With rhinoplasty surgery, nose implants or silastic implants are commonly used, which may help to improve the form and structure of the nose.
These implants are used for augmentation of the tip of the nose, treatment of the nasal bridge, or other treatment purposes.
Silicone nasal implants are used to address particular features that a patient would like to alter. However, cheek or chin implants are less common.
Procedure of Facial Implants
Normally, the process of placing facial implants includes the following:
Consultation:
The first stage is to have a thorough consultation with a board-certified plastic practitioner. Here they will assess your facial structure to see what cosmetic outcome you need and will recommend the best implant for you.
Anesthesia:
At times local anesthetic combined with sedation could be used, but the most common format of the treatment is under general anesthesia.
Incision:
Small incisions may be made, depending on the kind of implant being placed(e. g. the floor of the mouth, inside the lower lip, inside the cheeks, or below the lower eyelids).
Implant Placement:
The surgeon places the implant by making a pocket in the tissue of the face. The implant is placed accurately so as to provide the required improvement.
Closure:
To reduce the amount of swelling and to provide a layer of tissue to help support the new shapes, the incisions are sutured. Then the area is wrapped. They allow you to enclose the space and you can then customize how it will look.
Recovery:
The recovery from facial implant surgery depends on the type of implant and the person’s overall health. This is what you can generally expect:
Initial Recovery:
● In the majority of patients, pain, bruising, and swelling are reported after the operation, and usually in the first few days following the operation.
● Prescription drugs can help manage the pain, and to reduce swelling, one has to keep the head up.
Resuming Normal Activities:
● While you can usually go back to work and engage in mild activities in 1 to 2 weeks, it may take several weeks for the swelling to fully resolve and observe the final results.
Possible Complications:
● The use of facial implants carries some risks, Potential complications include scarring, infection, and implant movement.
● To achieve the best results and minimize complications, it's essential to follow your surgeon’s post-surgery instructions carefully.
Extended Outcomes:
● One benefit of face implants is that they are permanent. You won't need any additional treatments after the healing phase is finished.
Facial Implant Thread Market: How Does It Compare to Fillers?
The facial implant thread market is the industry that provides alternative lifting and contouring solutions like PDO thread lift along with traditional implants.
Unlike fillers, thread lifts can provide temporary skin tightening without adding volume. However, the difference is that facial implants are permanent solution, while fillers are gradual and have minimal downtime.
What Are Fillers?
Facial or dermal fillers are products that are administered via injection to add volume, minimize fine lines and wrinkles, and enhance the facial structure.
These fillers are biocompatible and are developed to resemble the structure of skin tissue. Being non-surgical procedures, fillers provide immediate temporary solutions for facial beauty improvement satisfying those patients who want minor changes.
Types of Fillers
There are different types of facial fillers, each designed to address distinct cosmetic concerns. The most common types include:
1. Fillers with hyaluronic acid (HA)
The skin naturally contains hyaluronic acid whose primary function is to retain moisture in the skin as well as maintain skin volume.
HA fillers, like Juvederm and Restylane are often used to bolster cheek contours, plump up the lips, and streamline wrinkles.
2. Calcium Hydroxyapatite (CaHA) Fillers
Calcium hydroxyapatite is an inorganic material that is found in the bones of the body.
When used in facial fillers such as Radiesse, CaHA is used to make the fillers denser and thicker for the wrinkles and folds.
It encourages the production of collagen and therefore contributes to the longevity of its results.
3. Poly-L-Lactic Acid (PLLA) Fillers
Polylactic acid is a synthetic material that stimulates the production of collagen in the body.
Unlike other filler materials which show immediate results, PLLA fillers like Sculptra work over several months to restore facial volume.
The effects may last up to 24 months, thus deeming PLLA as the most preferable by those in need of long-lasting, less shedding treatment.
Procedure
The process of administering facial fillers is non-surgical and minimally invasive, typically involving the following steps:
Consultation:
In most cases, you will discuss with an experienced injector before the filler procedure so that you both agree on your goals and which filler is ideal for you.
Your injector will then examine the contour of your face and recommend a treatment plan based on your objectives.
Preparation:
The treatment zone is washed then an anesthetic agent is applied to minimize the pain because of the injection made.
Injection:
The number of injections and the amount of filler to be injected will depend on the treatment plan. The procedure may last for a maximum of thirty minutes, determined by the areas under treatment.
Molding and Massage:
Once the procedure is completed and the filler is injected, the injector may rub the area slightly to ensure an even distribution of the filler and the proper contouring of the area.
Recovery
The healing of the filler injections is typically quick and straightforward, with most patients experiencing minimal downtime. Here’s what you can expect:
Immediate Effects:
The outcomes of HA and CaHA fillers are usually apparent immediately after the procedure, while PLLA fillers take a few months to take complete effects as collagen building gradually emerges.
Minor Side Effects:
Some adverse effects include edema, erythema, ecchymosis, and pain at the sites of injection.
These effects are often mild and subside after a couple of days. It is advised after treatment to apply ice packs on the areas treated as this will help to minimize inflammation and pain.
Returning to Normal Activities:
Discomfort is usually minimal and patients do not require a long recovery time as most can go back to their activities immediately after the procedure.
Potential Complications:
Most facial fillers are safe, but there are potential problems, such as an allergic reaction, infection, and the migration of fillers.
There may also be issues like overcorrection or uneven filling, however, these are usually addressable with further treatments or, in the case of HA fillers, can be undone with hyaluronidase.
Longevity of Results:
The length of facial filler results may differ according to the type of filler employed and the part of the face treated.
Facial fillers are less invasive compared to implant surgery and normally require touch-up sessions, which makes fillers more versatile but temporary than implants.
Facial Implants vs. Fillers: Key Differences
When opting for a facial implant or filler, it is important to know the differences in longevity, accomplishment, pricing structure, dangers, and maintenance.
Each option has its advantages, your choice should be based on your interests and objectives.
1. Durability
Facial Implants:
● Longevity: Facial implants are long-lasting. They are made to be used for a lifetime and are meant to provide a permanent solution to facial augmentation requirements.
● No Need for Re-Treatment: Unlike fillers which need to be replaced frequently, facial implants are only installed once. This makes them particularly suitable for people who desire long-term transformation but may only sometimes need to visit their surgeon or injector.
Fillers:
● Temporary Results: Dermal fillers are temporary, and their results may last from six months to a couple of years, depending on the filler utilized. For instance, hyaluronic acid fillers can last for 6-18 months, while poly-L-lactic acid fillers may last for about 2 years.
● Regular Maintenance: Fillers must be re-administered regularly to retain their effects. This can become expensive and tiresome in the long run, but it’s useful to people who don’t wish to make long-term alterations.
2. Results
Facial Implants:
The effects of facial implants can be observed right after the recovery and they do not deteriorate over time.
They are very suitable for clients seeking major changes such as uneven faces or inadequate areas that need a boost such as weak chins or cheeks.
● Structural Enhancement: Since implants are solid objects, the changes they bring to the facial structure are more apparent and stable, adding volume and symmetry to the areas that require it.
Fillers:
Fillers are perfect for individuals who want a less invasive form of treatment and enhancement.
They are great for replenishing lip contours, erasing facial lines and creases, and enhancing cheek shapes while maintaining moderate changes to the face.
The outcomes are instant though short-term thus enabling further modification in the long run.
● Gradual Improvement: Some fillers like poly-L-lactic acid act gradually to stimulate collagen production and thus give gradual and natural results over several months.
3. Cost
Facial Implants:
Facial implant procedures are more expensive and can cost anywhere between $3,000 and $19,000 depending on the kind of implant used and the scope of the surgery required.
This fee entails the charges of the surgeon, anesthesia, and the use of an operating room.
● Long-Term Savings: Of course, facial implants will cost a patient more initially than it will to get a filler session. However, the need for such procedures may not be as frequent.
Fillers:
Facial fillers are cheap initially, averaging between $500 and $2,000 per syringe depending on the type of filler and the site of injection.
However, in some cases, it may require the use of several syringes to accomplish the goal that is intended.
● Ongoing Expenses: Fillers are temporary and this means that one will need to top up the treatment once in a while.
● These treatments, if accumulated for several years, could total a hefty amount which could be equivalent to a single implant procedure.
4. Risk Factors
Facial Implants:
Facial implants like any other surgery are not without risks, these include infection, scarring, shifting of the implant, and problems that may occur with anesthesia.
Recovery time is also extensive, with swelling and bruising taking a few weeks to subside.
● Potential for Revision Surgery: Occasionally, the implants will have to be removed or repositioned, and this will call for other surgery.
● This could further escalate the overall risk and cost.
Fillers:
Facial fillers are comparatively safer than surgery. Potential side effects are mostly minor and last for 2-7 days.
● Reversibility and Allergic Reactions: Hyaluronic acid fillers are reversible, meaning they can be dissolved using enzymes should the outcomes be undesirable, for patient safety.
● In any case, they can cause an allergic reaction or infection and in some situations, vascular complications that may lead to tissue injury.
5. Maintenance
Facial Implants:
After the recovery period, facial implants last for a very long time and need very little attention.
These treatments are not ongoing so for a “set it and forget it” kind of individual, they may work well.
Fillers:
Results attained from facial fillers need augmentation follow-up treatments every 6 to 24 months. This depends on the type of filler.
What is the difference between a chin facial procedure and fillers?
Typically, a chin facial procedure includes a chin implant or a contour treatment that helps to develop the shape of the chin.
On the other hand, fillers for the chin give a nonsurgical way to add volume and enhance definition.
Implants are the best choice for permanent augmentation, but fillers are safe, temporary, and customizable with little downtime.
Cheek Implants Near Me: Where Can I Find a Trusted Provider?
If you are looking for cheek implants near me, then it is advisable to consult a board-certified plastic surgeon or a reliable aesthetic clinic in your area.
You can explore options before committing to an in-person appointment at many clinics that provide virtual consultations. You can also find trusted providers on websites like RealSelf or clinic directories.
Choosing the Right Option for You
Deciding between facial implants and fillers is always a personal decision.
That is why, your daily plan, preferences, and goals are essential when deciding which option suits you best.
Here is how to go about this crucial decision.
1. Personal Preferences.
If you want only a slight change, for example, slight lip enhancement or fine lines, the fillers are the better choice in such cases.
But if you want a more dramatic change-chiseling your jawline or having high cheekbones-then facial implants are what would satisfy your needs.
2. Temporary vs. Permanent
Consider whether you are after a temporary fix or whether you're ready to make a significant change.
Fillers are temporary, and that's much easier for you to try out different styles that you may love.
If you are looking for an effective lasting solution, then face implants will be more appealing.
3. Lifestyle Considerations
If your lifestyle doesn't allow time for a long recovery then fillers could work for you.
However, if you can afford some time off from work to heal, then the long-term benefits of having facial implants could be worthwhile.
4. Comfort with Surgery
Remember, some people are open to surgery with all the risks involved, and some simply are not. Surgical facial implants are, therefore, not for every other person.
If the thought of going under the knife makes you squirm, then fillers are your best bet.
5. Desired Outcomes
If you want a long-lasting improvement and possibly you don’t need continuous checkups, facial implants are what you need.
In case you are one of those who don’t mind changing your facial contours now and then, or even remain indecisive about permanent results, then fillers give a great way to experiment with your face.
Conclusion
Regardless of which option you prefer – a facial implant or filler – the key is to do what is best for you and make you feel comfortable in your skin.
Cosmetic enhancements are something that should only amplify your natural beauty and not change it entirely. Therefore, consider your options, seek advice, and then make the best decision.
Get Youthful, Radiant Skin Instantly – Try Our Premium Dermal Fillers at Diaminy Aesthetics!
Are you ready to elevate your skincare routine? Purchase our top-quality fillers from Diaminy Aesthetics today and experience the transformation your skin deserves.
Don’t wait—shop now and invest in the beauty you’ve always wanted!
