Our whole appearance is affected by sunken or recessed cheeks, which make us seem exhausted, furious, and older than we are. Whether you were born with the issue or have experienced age-related volume reduction, we can assist you.
Fillers and facial implants are two things you’ve undoubtedly heard of before if you’re considering a cosmetic operation to modify how your face appears.
Fillers and implants can make your face seem bigger, plumper, and younger. Both methods are risk-free. Your selections will determine which option is best for you.
So, how do they differ?
Fillers are substances injected into the skin to add volume naturally. The recipient tissue will retain the added volume and appear fuller and more natural.
Facial implants are a surgical procedure that transfers a piece of your bone into your face to add more volume and facial shape. They may be done alone or in combination with fillers.
Usually, they will last longer than fillers alone, but not as long as an implant procedure combined with fillers. Some surgical procedures can last for life, and others only as long as 20 years or even less.
Which is the best option for me?
Now that you understand the fundamental distinctions between these two kinds of face augmentation procedures, you should be able to choose the ideal one for you, depending on your objectives, downtime availability, and overall health. Here’s a short rundown of the greatest prospects for each treatment.
Implants are appropriate for:
- Those looking for a more permanent way to improve their facial structures
- Those that do not want to go through the operation again
- Those who are willing and able to endure surgery and the subsequent recuperation period
- Those in good enough health to have surgery
Fillers are best for:
- Those worried about volume loss due to aging
- Those who do not want to have surgery and the resulting downtime
- Those who are not in good physical shape or have medical issues that prevent them from undergoing surgery
- Those who like to repair rather than add volume to their cheeks
- Those who are willing (or have the time) to take touch-up procedures to keep their results
The Benefits of Dermal Fillers
Dermal fillers have a limited duration of action. This allows a person to experience the effects of cheek enhancement before deciding whether or not they like them. Filler injections will need to be repeated every six months to two years for those who like the results and wish to keep them.
One does not need to undergo surgery whenever they get dermal filler treatment. Many people like this procedure because they can go to the doctor’s office and be back at work within a couple of days.
However, dermal fillers are not a permanent solution for those wishing to change their cheek structure. When the filler wears off, your face will return to its previous shape. In some cases, people may need additional treatments to make the procedure’s results last longer.
There is no risk of infection or allergy with these devices since they are made from your natural bone.
The Benefits of Cheek Implants
Cheek implants are permanent and very safe. They are made of titanium and will not cause any significant discomfort after surgery.
Although they are very effective for their purpose, most people do not like the results of having a titanium implant put into their cheeks. It is often found that patients do not feel happy with the way they look since this procedure is irreversible.
In some cases, people feel that the implants have made their faces look unusually masculine or feminine. The chin implant procedure has also received a lot of criticism for looking unnatural, even though it does give you a bigger and more robust jawline.
People get buccal fat removal to fill up the cheeks to make them appear fuller and to reshape the jawline.
With fillers, the surgeon can try out some cheek enhancement procedures and see whether or not they like the results. If they do not like their results, they can go back for touch-ups and additional fillers until the results are satisfactory enough for them.
Note: One should always be sure what kind of implant is being used since some studies have shown that titanium implants may cause tissue death after a certain period when used for cheek augmentation. This can be fatal if one has respiratory problems or is not in good health.
Recovery Time
The recovery period for cheek implants is usually between six days and one month but will differ from person to person. On the other hand, fillers are not as painful, and there is a quicker recovery period. Some people will experience side effects during the recovery period of fillers, such as bruising, swelling, and tenderness. The overall healing process depends on how good the patient’s health is.
Most individuals who undergo cheek implantation surgery will be able to return to their normal daily activities within four weeks after their operation. On the other hand, dermal fillers require you to stay away from tanning beds to avoid developing melanoma (skin cancer).
Things to Consider During Recovery
Cheek implants:
As you heal, you will be instructed not to participate in activities that create extreme pressure on your cheeks. This includes nose-blowing, lying down on your stomach, and sitting up for extended periods. You will also be asked to refrain from any physical contact involving your face for two weeks if you are getting cheek implants on both sides. If there is an infection or swelling during the recovery period, or if it doesn’t subside within three months, one should seek medical attention as soon as possible.
Fillers:
You will be given medical advice about what you should do if the site gets slightly red or sore. Bruising is also common after this treatment, and you are not supposed to worry since it should fade within a week. You should also seek medical help if the injection area becomes swollen, painful, or acutely red.
Additional Treatments and Fillers
Some doctors recommend that patients get additional treatments such as a nose job or chin reduction during their initial session to enhance their results. This can be done by taking out some of the filler injected into the cheeks to give you a more natural look. However, these things will require another session with the doctor, so you’d have to pay for them if your health insurance plan does not cover them.