Age-related volume loss in your face and cheeks can impact your confidence, but cheek fillers and cheek implants both offer natural-looking enhancements to restore facial balance. Each treatment option offers distinct advantages depending on your aesthetic goals.
In this article, we’ll explore the key differences between cheek implants vs filler, examining their longevity, procedure invasiveness, recovery time, and flexibility. We’ll also discuss cost comparisons and potential side effects of each procedure, so you can make the most informed decisions about your facial enhancements.
Book an appointment with Elite Facial Plastic Surgery today and enhance your natural beauty with lasting facial enhancements.
What Are Cheek Implants?
Cheek implants are made from silicone, a material that the body naturally encapsulates, allowing the implants to remain in place for life unless surgically removed. A plastic surgeon will place cheek implants beneath the skin to permanently alter the facial shape. Over time, cheek implants have become more sophisticated, offering various shapes and sizes to fit the underlying facial structure of each patient and provide more natural-looking results.
What Are Cheek Fillers?
Cheek fillers are injectable substances used to add volume and contour to the cheeks without the need for surgery. Formulated with hyaluronic acid and calcium hydroxyapatite, fillers are versatile, moldable, and non-permanent..
Fillers offer a non-invasive alternative to implants with minimal recovery time. They can be tailored to create natural-looking results, providing a non-permanent solution that can be adjusted over time. While you can upkeep the look of cheek fillers with regular appointments, the filler will naturally disapate over time if not upkept every 6 to 9 months.
Key Differences Between Cheek Implants & Fillers
While cheek implants and fillers both provide lasting facial enhancements, they differ in longevity, invasiveness, recovery time, and flexibility.
Longevity
Cheek implant surgery offers a permanent solution, providing long-term results that can last a lifetime. Once placed, implants do not require regular maintenance or follow-up treatments. In contrast, dermal fillers are temporary and last up to two years depending on the type of filler used. Patients who choose fillers may need periodic touch-ups to maintain their desired look.
Procedure Invasiveness
Cheek implants require surgery to place a facial implant beneath the skin. Patients are placed under anesthesia and may experience facial swelling and discomfort during the recovery period. Cheek fillers, on the other hand, are administered via injections in an office setting with no need for anesthesia or recovery time.
Recovery Time
Recovery time for cheek implants is longer due to the surgical nature of the procedure. Patients typically need several weeks to fully recover, with some swelling and bruising expected. Cheek fillers require a minimal recovery period, allowing patients to resume their normal activities the same day. Any minor swelling or bruising from fillers usually subsides within a few days.
Flexibility and Reversibility
While facial implants offer permanent enhancements, results are not flexible and reversal of this procedure requires additional surgery. Alternatively, hyaluronic acid cheek fillers can be dissolved, allowing for adjustments or complete reversal without surgery.
Factors To Consider When Deciding on Cheek Implants vs. Fillers
When deciding between surgical cheek augmentation vs. dermal fillers for your cheeks, it’s important to consider your desired results, budget, and potential side effects.
Your Desired Results & Permanence
If you desire a permanent solution with no need for ongoing treatments, cheek implants might be the best choice. However, if you’re looking for a temporary enhancement that you can adjust over time, fillers offer a more flexible and less permanent option. Discussing your goals with a qualified surgeon can help you determine which approach best aligns with your expectations.
Cost Comparison
The cost of cheek implants may range from $3,000 to $10,000, covering the implant, surgery, anesthesia, and follow-up care. Although the initial investment is higher, implants are permanent, eliminating the need for ongoing expenses. In contrast, cheek fillers typically cost $600 to $2,000 per syringe. While initial costs may be lower, fillers require additional maintenance every six months to two years to maintain results.
Potential Side Effects for Each Procedure
The cheek implant procedure process carries risks such as infection and scarring, as it is a significantly more invasive procedure. Cheek fillers are less invasive but can still cause temporary swelling, bruising, and, in rare cases, allergic reactions.
Ideal Candidates for Cheek Implants vs. Cheek Fillers
Ideal candidates for cheek implants are those seeking a permanent change to their facial contours and are comfortable with undergoing facial surgery. Cheek implant patients typically have a clear vision of their desired results and are looking for a solution that requires minimal maintenance.
Individuals unable to undergo surgery and those with diabetes or other medical conditions that impair healing should avoid cheek implants. Additionally, Patients with fluctuating weight or skin elasticity issues may find that implants do not provide the desired long-term results.
In contrast, facial fillers are better suited for patients who prefer non-surgical enhancements, those who are trying facial enhancement for the first time, or those who want to experiment with different looks before making a permanent commitment. However, those with severe allergies to filler ingredients, those with active skin infections, or those who are pregnant or breastfeeding should refrain from receiving cheek filler injections.
Both options provide transformative results, but the choice ultimately depends on your aesthetic goals and comfort level with each procedure.
Schedule Your Consultation for Cheek Fillers & Implants with Elite Facial Plastic Surgery Today!
Elite Facial Plastic Surgery offers tailored solutions for natural-looking facial enhancements. When you book a consultation, our experienced practitioners will evaluate your aesthetic goals and create a personalized treatment plan to restore lost volume and help you achieve your desired look.
Book a consultation today and restore your youthful appearance with cheek implants or cheek fillers from Elite Facial Plastic Surgery.
