Implants VS. Fillers: What’s the Best Option for Your Face?

Plump cheeks and a well-defined chin not only create attractive facial proportions, but they also resonate with health, youth, and vitality. It’s also relatively easy to achieve these enhanced facial features through the use of dermal fillers and implants. While both cosmetic procedures can give you the aesthetic changes you desire, there are differences as to what both implants and fillers can offer, especially in terms of longevity.  

As a double board-certified facial plastic surgeon, myself and my team of cosmetic experts, including board-certified physician assistant Heather Bryant and board-certified nurse practitioner Courtney Whitley, can perform aesthetic techniques designed to fully enhance each patient’s own unique attractiveness. At Carolina Facial Plastics in Charlotte, NC, we focus 100% on surgical and nonsurgical cosmetic treatments for the face and can help you reach your facial cosmetic goals with a treatment plan that is tailor-made just for you. So, whether it be with fillers or implants, our expertise and experience can give you the best possible outcome.

What Are Facial Implants?

Facial implants are typically made out of silicone or other solid materials that are compatible with human tissue and are designed to be permanent additions to the underlying facial structure. They are surgically placed to enhance or augment a particular physical structure on your face. A cheek implant can give you a “high cheekbone” look and a well-defined jawline, while a chin implant can address a recessed chin, bringing symmetry and balance to the face. I only use implants made of silicone, since these are the easiest to shape more precisely, are long-lasting, durable, and can be easily removed if necessary.

How Can Dermal Fillers Augment My Face?

The most commonly used dermal fillers come in the form of hyaluronic acid (HA), which is already naturally found in your skin. HA keeps the skin hydrated and plump. HA fillers such as Juvéderm® and Restylane® can replace lost volume while smoothing lines and wrinkles. Using dermal fillers can also help alter and improve facial shape and proportion, as well as provide definition and contours, achieving facial harmony. Using a very fine needle, these fillers are injected into areas that need enhancement, instantly restoring volume and contouring the face. Although temporary, they can provide natural-looking results without the need for surgery. To learn more about dermal fillers, visit fda.gov.

How Do I Know Which is Best for Me?

Now that you know the key differences between these two types of procedures for facial augmentation, it should be easier to select the best option based on your goals, availability for downtime, and general health. Here’s a quick summary differentiating the best candidates for each procedure.

Good candidates for implants are:

• Those who want a more permanent solution for augmenting their facial structures
• Those who don’t want to repeat the procedure
• Those who are willing and ready to undergo surgery and its associated recovery time
• Those who are healthy enough to undergo surgery

Good candidates for fillers are:

• Those concerned about age-related volume loss
• Those who don’t want to undergo surgery and its associated downtime
• Those who want to restore lost volume in the cheeks rather than add more volume
• Those who are willing to undergo (or have the time) for touch-up treatments to maintain results
• Those who are not fit or have medical conditions that make them unsuitable for surgery

Results You Can Achieve

While fillers can provide mild to moderate improvement in facial contours, implants can create a more dramatic contour improvement that lasts longer. However, this does not negate the fact that both procedures can produce excellent results, especially when performed by an experienced surgeon.

I can also customize chin implants. I use CT scans to design them. This option is great for patients who have significant facial asymmetries or have an extremely weak chin. With this technology, I can create superior results in regards to facial symmetry.

Whichever procedure you choose, each treatment plan is uniquely customized for you, and I will only recommend treatment options that are in your best interest.

Length of Results

Results from a facial implant can last forever, while results from fillers usually last for 9 to 18 months, depending on the amount and type of filler used. Starting with fillers can help you see how your face might look with a permanent implant, and fillers can be removed, if desired.

Recovery Time

Because implants require surgery, you will be given anesthesia before the procedure. For chin augmentation, a small incision is made underneath the chin or inside the mouth. Through this incision, I will create space for the chin implant and fit it around your chin bone. As for a cheek augmentation procedure, I typically make a small incision inside your mouth to the proper size and shape of the implant. The implant will be properly positioned within the pocket and stabilized to prevent it from moving out of place. After these surgeries, expect to be bruised and swollen for the first 5-7 days. You should be able to return to work approximately five days after surgery.

For dermal fillers, a topical anesthetic will be applied to the treatment area. Next, a tiny needle or micro-cannula will be used to deliver precise volumes of dermal filler in the targeted areas of the chin, cheeks, or jawline. The dermal filler also contains a small amount of lidocaine, which reduces any discomfort during and after the procedure. The entire injectable procedure can be performed in our Charlotte, NC office in less than an hour, and you can immediately return to your normal activities. You may have very little swelling and bruising after your treatment, which is temporary. The most common fillers used at Carolina Facial Plastics for nonsurgical chin augmentation are HA fillers. The most popular options include Restylane and Juvéderm products, including Restylane Lyft®, Restylane Defyne®, and Juvéderm Voluma®. The ideal product for you will be discussed during your consultation before your treatment.

If opting for surgery, rest assured you’ll be given the best care possible. I am committed to ensuring your safety and comfort during your surgery and recovery. This is why I created the Fairview Surgical Suites and Fairview Recovery Retreat, both located in the heart of Southpark in NC. It is an all-inclusive, luxurious aesthetic destination that provides you with a comfortable and intimate place where medical professionals and staff can focus solely on your needs. Our commitment to safety and to achieving the best outcome echoes our motto, “Care You Can Trust.”

Learn More About Facial Augmentation in Charlotte, NC

Let your unique natural beauty shine through with a facial augmentation procedure. Whether you decide on a surgical or nonsurgical approach, my team and I will use our expertise to bring balance and harmony to your entire face, providing you with unparalleled results in our safe, private, and luxurious center. To find out which procedure is best for you, contact us to schedule a consultation.