Facial contouring focuses on refining natural features to create a balanced and harmonious look. Think of it as an art form where precision and subtle enhancements highlight your best attributes. East Coast Advanced Plastic Surgery helps residents in Hoboken, Ridgewood, Livingston, Pompton Plains, and Manhattan/NYC with a range of advanced cosmetic procedures. But which option is right for you: facial implants or dermal fillers?

What Are Facial Implants?

Facial implants are solid, biocompatible devices surgically placed beneath the skin to enhance and reshape specific areas of the face. Common implants target the chin, cheeks, and jawline, providing a more defined and harmonious appearance. Made from materials such as silicone or porous polyethylene, these implants integrate with the surrounding tissue for a natural look and feel.

 

Pros:

  • Permanent Results: One of the main advantages of facial implants is their permanence. Once placed, they can last for many years, providing long-lasting enhancement that typically doesn’t require the maintenance that fillers do.
  • Natural-Looking Contours: Implants come in various shapes and sizes, allowing for a tailored approach to achieving your desired contour. They significantly enhance the structure of the chin, cheeks, or jawline.
  • Increased Volume: Implants provide a more dramatic volume increase compared to fillers, making them an excellent choice for patients seeking noticeable changes.

 

Cons:

  • Invasive Procedure: The implantation process requires surgery, including anesthesia, incisions, and recovery time. This invasive nature can deter some individuals from opting for this route.
  • Risk of Complications: As with any surgery, potential risks include infection, scarring, and implant displacement.
  • Higher Cost: Facial implants typically entail a higher upfront cost than fillers, as the procedure requires surgical intervention.

What Are Dermal Fillers?

Dermal fillers are injectable substances used to restore volume, plump up areas, and improve the overall texture and appearance of the skin. Composed of various materials, including hyaluronic acid—a naturally occurring substance in the body—dermal fillers can smooth wrinkles, enhance lips, and add volume to specific facial features.

 

Pros:

  • Minimally Invasive: Dermal fillers are non-surgical treatments that can often be performed quickly, with little to no downtime. This makes them appealing to those seeking a quick facial contouring solution.
  • Flexibility: Filler treatments can be tailored to individual needs, targeting precise areas for enhancement. For instance, Juvederm offers products like Voluma for cheek volume, Vollure for subtle softness, Volbella for lip enhancement, and Volux for jawline contouring.
  • Reversible: If a patient is dissatisfied with the results, certain fillers can be dissolved using hyaluronidase, making modifications easier than with implants.

 

Cons:

  • Temporary Results: A significant downside of dermal fillers is their temporary nature. Results typically last from six months to two years, depending on the type of filler used and the treated area.
  • Maintenance Required: To maintain the desired contouring effects, patients must schedule regular touch-up treatments, which add to the overall cost over time.
  • Volume Limitations: Although fillers can add volume and contour, there may be limits to how much can be achieved compared to implants.

Which Is Best for You?

Ultimately, the decision between facial implants and dermal fillers depends on individual preferences and needs. Consider these key factors to guide your decision-making process:

  • Goals: Do you want dramatic changes or subtle enhancements? Implants may be better for major reshaping, while fillers work well for volume and softness.
  • Commitment: How long do you want the results to last? Implants provide permanence, while fillers require maintenance.
  • Recovery: Are you prepared for the downtime that comes with surgery, or do you prefer a quick fix? If time is a concern, fillers might be the right choice.

 

Feel free to consult with our plastic surgeons to discuss your options and receive personalized recommendations. Both treatments have merits, and understanding them will help you choose the best path for your beauty goals.

Explore Your Facial Contouring Options

Choosing between facial implants and dermal fillers can feel daunting, but it doesn’t have to be. Schedule your consultation today. Our dedicated team at East Coast Advanced Plastic Surgery is here to help you navigate your options and find the perfect solution for your facial contouring needs.