Facial Implants vs. Fat Grafting vs. Dermal Fillers

Posted on April 24, 2019

As humans age, their faces lose subcutaneous fat. As a result, facial muscles become more apparent near the skin’s surface, and lines and wrinkles become more prominent. Aging also means your skin becomes less firm. Stretching occurs, so you have less volume. Fortunately, there are numerous options to turn back the hands of time and restore fullness and volume. These include facial implants, fat grafting or dermal fillers. Which is the best choice for you? Aqua Plastic Surgery’s double board certified plastic surgeons, Drs. David Rankin and Dev Vibhakar, explain the advantages and disadvantages of each procedure.

Facial Implants

Facial implants, made from silicone and other synthetic materials, add volume and shape to flat, hollow or overly small facial areas. They are used most often in the cheeks, chin and jaw. Incisions are made in the treatment areas, and the surgeon then places the implant into a pocket created from facial tissue.

Facial implants are surgical procedures. Expect to take at least a week off work if undergoing a facial implant. It may take a few months for full healing to take place.

Fat Grafting

Do you have fat you’d like to move elsewhere? Fat grafting involves taking a small amount of fat from an unwanted area, such as the stomach or hips, and injecting it into the face to boost volume and eradicate wrinkles. Because the fat comes from your own body, there’s no chance of an allergic reaction and it lasts longer than other types of fillers.

There are a few disadvantages to fat grafting, including the possibility that a person’s face may absorb most of the transferred fat over time.

Dermal Fillers

Dermal fillers plump up the area into which they are injected, making lines and wrinkles less noticeable. Common dermal fillers include natural substances such as collagen or hyaluronic acid, or synthetic fillers that work by stimulating collagen production. The latter are especially useful for treating deep lines and wrinkles.

Dermal fillers have few side effects. They are not permanent, however, and therefore regular touch-ups are needed. Depending on the type of dermal filler used, that could mean a visit every six months or an annual touch-up.

For More Information

If you would like more information on facial implants, fat grafting and dermal fillers, and which procedures are right for your needs, please contact Aqua Plastic Surgery. Call our Jupiter office at (561) 776-2830, our Ft. Lauderdale office at (954) 564-3832 or our West Palm Beach office at (561) 202-6615.