Lake Norman Oral & Facial Surgery • Dr. Raymond J. Haigney II • 9727 Northcross Center Ct. Huntersville, NC 28078 (704) 987-3132

9727 Northcross Center Ct. Huntersville, NC 28078 (704) 987-3132

Cheek Implants vs Fillers

When patients decide to erase the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles or plump up their cheeks and lips, many are not sure whether dermal fillers or facial and lip implants are the best solution. The following article will compare the safety and differences between implants and dermal filler products.

  1. Easily Reversed

Once dermal fillers are injected into the cheeks or lips, the effects are typically visible for about four to eight months. Implants, however last for many years. If a patient is no longer happy with the appearance of the implants or has an issue, they can be removed at any time.

  1. Permanent Solution

When patience decide to have dermal fillers injected, it is important to remember they need to be re-done about once to twice a year. While the cost for facial implants may seem quite high in comparison to dermal fillers, implants last for many years and fillers typically last for just a few months before they need to be redone.

  1. Vascular Compromise Risk

While it is rare, there are cases where having dermal fillers injected can result in the development of skin necrosis. While it is even less common, dermal fillers can also cause blindness. There is virtually no risk of either condition when patients have implants placed.

  1. Minimal Risk of Infection

There is an extremely low risk for an infection when having facial implants placed. There is a greater risk of having an infection from receiving a dermal filler injection.

  1. Non-toxic and Non-allergenic

Some patients do experience allergic reactions from having dermal filler injections administered. Facial implants in comparison are a completely non-allergic alternative.

  1. Training and Risk of Incorrect Insertion is Eliminated

The rise of Botox or filler parties in the recent years has led to many patients receiving dermal filler injections by people who are not properly trained or qualified. Facial implants are only able to be inserted by a qualified, registered and well experienced plastic surgeon.

  1. Quick Placement Time

Because they usually take a few minutes to administer, dermal filler injections are definitely a quicker solution for improving the facial appearance. Implant insertion typically takes about 30 minutes to ensure the devices are placed correctly.

  1. Long Term Cost

Many patients are surprised by the initial cost of facial implants and decide to opt for receiving filler products instead due to the cheaper initial price. Over time, fillers must be redone to maintain the improved appearance as they typically last 4-6 months. Because implants last for many years and do not need to be redone, they are the cheaper long-term option.

  1. Restoring Facial Contours and Volume

Most dermal fillers are used to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Facial implants help to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles and also help restore the facial contours.

  1. Implants Typically Use Local Anesthesia

Many patients assume that full anesthesia is required for facial implant surgery. In most cases, however, implants can be inserted under local anesthesia or twilight sleep.

Follow up with a surgeon today to determine if you are a good candidate for facial implant surgery.

More on Cheek Implants : How Safe are Cheek Implants?

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Patient Testimonial

"Words cannot express enough, how wonderful, caring and professional Dr. Haigney and his staff are! After being rushed to the Huntersville hospital with an orbital fracture, broken nose and other facial damage, Dr. Haigney rushed me into surgery (on his day off I must add) and corrected all my problems. I only wish all doctors cared as much about their patients and their recovery as Dr. Haigney and his staff did. Thank you so much for everything! Your attention and compassion has helped me make my recovery as comfortable as possible. 5 star service!"