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Facial Implants or Fillers? Individual Factors that Help You Decide

If you’ve considered a cosmetic procedure to modify the aesthetics of your face, you more than likely have come across several options, such as facial implants and dermal fillers. When performed by an experienced and talented surgeon such as Dr. Eric Pugash, both procedures provide a safe and effective way to make your face look fuller, younger, and more attractive. As both procedures become quite popular, you may find yourself wondering whether you should choose facial implants, á la Renee Zellweger, or if Kim Kardashian had it right by opting for dermal fillers.

What makes either option right for you depends on several factors. This blog examines the difference between facial implants and fillers, and then walk you through the nuances associated with each procedure.

What is the Difference Between Fillers and Implants?

A filler is a type of gel that is injected into the desired area using a syringe. Experienced clinicians place the injections in precise locations to improve the texture of the skin and restore youthful fullness. By eliminating lines and wrinkles, dermal fillers can quickly erase years from your face. The procedure is nonsurgical, and depending on the filler, results can last up to two years. 

Facial implants, on the other hand, are small silicone rubber structures that can be surgically placed in the area of desired fullness. They are permanent and can be used to dramatically enhance the shape and contours of the cheeks, chin, and jawline.  

Which is Better?

The superiority of one method over the other is situational and depends entirely on your preferences and your aesthetic goals. Here, we outline the most significant differences between facial implants and fillers to help you make an informed decision about which procedure is right for you.

1) Duration of Procedure

While both procedures can be performed fairly quickly for dramatic results, facial implant surgery takes a bit longer than fillers. Getting facial Implants requires outpatient surgery, and the procedure generally takes between one to three hours. Placement of dermal fillers is usually done in under an hour and is carried out in the office.  

2) Anesthesia

Dr. Pugash offers options to enhance your comfort during all procedures.  As facial implant surgery requires incisions, anesthesia will be used. In contrast, fillers are placed with a needle and usually don’t create much discomfort.  Thus, a numbing cream can be used prior to placement of the fillers to temporarily reduce sensation (making fillers completely painless).

3) Recovery

Recovering from fillers takes just a few hours, and most patients experience only mild redness right afterward. There may be swelling or bruising at the injection sites, and it may take several days for things to fully settle. 

Implants, however, require a few weeks to a month to completely heal. During this time the incisions will heal and the swelling and bruising will settle. Though the recovery time is a bit longer for facial implants, this surgery can create dramatic changes to the shape of your face. Most patients who’ve had facial implants with Dr. Pugash indicate that the recovery time is well worth it.

Fillers are very versatile. They can be used to deal with lines and creases on the forehead, cheeks, and lips. They can also provide better contour over the cheekbones, nose, and chin, although in a temporary way. Implants, on the other hand, can improve skeletal contour over these same areas, but with permanent results. 

4) Longevity of results

Because facial implants last indefinitely, getting implants is generally one-time surgery. Though you may choose to have repositioning or adjustment years down the road, you can consider this procedure permanent. 

In contrast, fillers can require annual or bi-annual touchups to maintain the desired results, depending on the type and location of the filler. It is not uncommon for patients to achieve their goals after one session, but some require more than one to achieve the look they’d like. 

At Dr. Eric Pugash Aesthetic & Plastic Surgery, we fully appreciate the unique circumstances and preferences of each patient. Call us at 604 522 5199 or complete our online form to schedule a thorough discussion and consultation about your procedure.