Cheek Implants vs Fillers – What is the Best Option For You?

When you hear “cheek implants,” your mind might immediately think of the cheeks that fill out your jeans. While most people know a thing or two about the power of booty implants – these implants are designed for an area of the body that the entire world sees: your face. Contouring a look every morning can be a chore, yet many of us dislike our natural features. This is where cheek implants and fillers come in!

Give yourself a little glow up! 

Qazi Cosmetic Clinic in Orange County, CA is offering both cheek implants and fillers at an affordable price for people just like you. Cosmetic procedures were once only done by rich movie stars, but now anyone can get a little confidence boost. 

Now you might be wondering “cheek implants vs  fillers – what is the difference? Which one is right for me?” Read on to learn all about Dr. Nadir Qazi’s safe and effective techniques as well as his expert advice regarding cheek implants vs fillers. 

Cheek Implants: What You Need to Know About the Procedure

Most people are familiar with the concept of breast implants. Cheek implants are actually quite similar. In the same way that young people have perkier breasts, they also normally have rounded cheekbones and pointed chins. Most dermatologists refer to this as the “triangle of youth.” As we age, it is normal for the cheeks to lose fat and sag; this is what causes jowls to appear. 

Just as breast implants provide size and roundness to the chest, cheek implants also restore your youthful face shape, provide more attractive contour, and balance your features. The difference between breast augmentation and cheek implants is that cheek implants are also suitable for men who want to take years off their face. 

Cheek augmentation is a surgical procedure which uses one of two common techniques: 

1. Augmentation with synthetic implants is a permanent procedure that normally uses solid silicone, Gore-Tex implants (made from polytetrafluoroethylene), and Medpor implants (made from porous polyethylene). Medpor implants are designed to fuse to the bone over time, which makes for a more natural look with reduced long-term risks. Both silicone and Gore-Tex implants are time-tested solutions that can easily be inserted into the face for permanent make-over. 

2. Fat transfer is also a popular method of augmentation that is normally used in both breast and butt augmentations as well. In this procedure, unwanted fat cells are removed from the body via liposuction and grafted onto the desired areas of the face. Many patients prefer this method because they like that it uses their body’s own cells, instead of inserting another substance into their bodies. 

Because these are all surgical procedures, they will be performed by Dr. Qazi’s team of Orange County plastic surgeons. If you are convinced that cheek implants are right for you, schedule a consultation with Dr. Qazi to receive a customized plan and more information about which surgical method is right for you!

What Are the Benefits of Cheek Implants vs Fillers?

Every cosmetic procedure, whether surgical or non-surgical, has its pros and cons. Here are some benefits of cheek implants over dermal fillers: 

• The results are permanent – This means that you won’t need follow-up appointments every 6-12 months to maintain the look. 

• Total transformation – Surgical implants are not designed to give you subtle adjustments; this is a glow-up time, make-your-ex-jealous type of procedure. Of course you will still look like yourself, but your friends and co-workers will instantly be able to see that you’ve made some changes. 

• Natural options – The fat transfer method is considered to be the “natural option” for cheek enhancement. Because dermal fillers also use a synthetic substance to create volume, many people opt for augmentation with fat cells. Instead of having something foreign introduced to your face, it will be your own cells that provide you with volume and contour. 

• One and done – Most non-invasive procedures are quick and easy; however, they also require follow-up appointments. This is the case for everything from laser treatment to microneedling. Surgical augmentation, on the other hand, only requires a single procedure to give you permanent, life-changing results. 

There are also some downsides to cheek implants, namely the recovery period and the potential for risks and side effects. 

Aftercare & Recovery

Whether you get silicone, Gore-Tex, or Medpor implants, you can expect to be down for at least 8 weeks before you are healed up enough to see your results. Because the surgery requires general anesthesia, you will be taken to a recovery room immediately after the procedure. This is where expert doctors will monitor your immediate recovery. Once you are ready to go, you will be discharged with aftercare instructions. It is best if someone else drives you home due to lingering effects from the anesthesia. 

Symptoms normally appear within the first 72 hours; these are often the most pronounced and will lessen over the next 3 days. The most common symptoms are tenderness, soreness, pain, swelling, difficulty smiling, and changes in sensation.

The swelling will subside after about 2 weeks and the redness will disappear within a few weeks. You should avoid sleeping face down for at least six to eight weeks to avoid damaging the implants and sutures. 

Depending on what type of sutures are used, they may dissolve on their own or you may need to return to have your surgeon remove them. 

While you are recovering, it is recommended that you take it easy, follow all post-op instructions, and ice the treatment area. You will probably want to turn off your camera during Zoom meetings and avoid sunny brunches on the patio until you are healed. 

Risks & Side Effects To Watch Out For

Side effects of cheek augmentation by fat transfer include: possible risk of infection, prolonged edema, asymmetry, and fat necrosis. There is also a risk of unpredictable re-absorption that may require you to need additional fat transfers after 6 months. 

Side effects of other implants include: heightened risk of blood clotting, risk of infection, and the possibility that the implant may move out of place. If an implant moves or becomes infected, a second procedure will be required to correct it.  

Cheek Implants vs Fillers: An Overview of Dermal Fillers 

Dermal fillers are a popular cosmetic treatment that can be used on almost any area of the face, including under the eyes, the temples, the chin, jaw, and cheeks. Many celebrities hail fillers as their favorite solution to pesky cosmetic flaws like undereye circles, wrinkles, and general loss of volume.

Almost everyone in Hollywood from Katy Perry to Cindy Crawford have shared their experiences with dermal fillers. Some, like Courteney Cox, admitted that they weren’t really for her, but Kaley Cuoco from The Big Bang Theory swears by them!

Fillers are a non-invasive, non-surgical alternative to cheek augmentation. The procedure involves a quick and precise injection of hyaluronic acid (a sugar complex naturally found in our bodies) that will immediately add volume and boost your collagen production for up to 12 months. 

Once injected into the cheeks, you will notice instant roundness to restore your “triangle of youth.” Not only will you look younger, your face will have a natural contour that can save you hundreds on makeup products. It will also give you accentuated cheeks that will perfectly accessorize your glowing smile. 

What To Expect When You Get Dermal Fillers

1. When you have your consultation with Dr. Qazi, you can discuss your aesthetic goals, concerns, and which procedure is right for you. If you have considered cheek implants vs fillers and decided that you want fillers, then Dr. Qazi will customize a procedure plan for you. 

2. To begin, Dr. Qazi will apply a topical numbing cream or local anesthetic. Although the needles used in the procedure are very small, this is to ensure that you are completely comfortable the entire time. 

3. Before making the injections, Dr. Qazi will target the areas where the fillers will have the best look. He may draw lines on your cheeks with a skin-safe, temporary marker to label the injection sites. Targeted injections can ensure that your fillers will best match your natural bone structure so that your results look as natural as possible. 

4. Then Dr. Qazi will begin carefully injecting tiny deposits of filler at strategic points. He will also do his best to limit the number of injection sites so that the small punctures will heal faster, giving you a shorter recovery time. 

5. After the injections are complete, it may be necessary to massage the fillers into place to ensure proper placement and texture.

6. Once the numbing cream wears off and you feel comfortable leaving, you are safe to drive yourself home. 

Please note that if you are frightened of needles or have other concerns about the procedure, be sure to let Dr. Qazi know. Similarly, if you have second thoughts about the procedure, that’s okay! If, like Courteney Cox, you look in the mirror and think “this isn’t right,” then all you have to do is contact our office and Dr. Qazi can reverse the fillers using Hyaluronidase.

Cosmetic procedures are not for everyone, and some people think that they will like their new look until they actually get it. The beauty of fillers is that you are allowed to change your mind. And if, after 12 months of having them, you decide that popping cheeks are not cool anymore, the fillers will naturally dissolve. On the other hand, if you love your new look and never want to use your contour kit ever again, you are welcome to come back for a follow-up appointment to re-up your cheeks. 

Aftercare, Recovery, and Side Effects

Because fillers are non-surgical, they involve less risk of side effects and less recovery time. Whereas it may take you up to 8 weeks to see your results with cheek implants, you will see an immediate change once your fillers are injected. However, your results will take a few days to settle.

The recovery period lasts between 7 and 10 days, during which time you may experience swelling, tenderness, and light bruising. You should avoid sleeping on your face, keep exercise light, avoid heavy makeup, and stay out of the sun during this time, but you are free to enjoy other activities – you can even keep your Zoom camera on! 

Side effects include temporary redness, bruising, swelling, risk of necrosis of the skin, rare possibility of injection, and slight risk of nerve injury. These are extremely rare. The best way to avoid adverse side effects is to only receive procedures from board-certified cosmetic physicians like Dr. Qazi and to follow all aftercare instructions carefully. If you notice any lumps, visible material, or malar edema, contect Qazi Cosmetic Clinic. 

Cheek Implants vs Fillers: How Do I Decide? 

If you are truly on the fence between fillers and cheek implants to elevate your look, the best way to make up your mind is to schedule a consultation with Dr Qazi. Consultations are a great time to ask questions, get an idea of the cost, discuss your goals, and get an expert opinion. 

Here are some other factors to consider when making the choice of cheek implants vs fillers: 

1. Are You Sure You Want a Surgical Procedure? 

If you are no stranger to making tweaks, then it might be time for something more permanent. Many media personalities are probably saying “oh, thank god,” right now because they want the amazing cheeks but are sick of scheduling follow-up appointments around their work schedule. However, if you are new to cosmetic procedures, it is best to try a non-invasive, easily reversible treatment first. If you change your mind or the style changes, you can easily go back to your previous look. 

2. What Are Your Goals?

Is this a time in your life when you are trying to launch a modeling career, becoming the face of your own company, or restoring your youth after years of raising kids? If so, cheek implants might be the boost that you are looking for. The best part about implants is that they are permanent, so no one will be asking “where did your cheeks go?” in 12 months. Many people with busy schedules like the permanence and consistency in their appearance. 

On the other hand, you may want just a subtle boost to your cheeks, just enough that you can post more makeup-free selfies and skip the contour products. If this is the case, it may not be worth it to dedicate the time and money for a permanent change. It also may not fit your lifestyle or long-term aesthetic goals. In this case, dermal fillers may be better for you. 

3. Do You Have the Time?

Time is a big consideration when it comes to procedures. Not everyone can take two months off from a job in front of cameras to recover from cheek implants. However, if you can manage 7 to 10 days of looking slightly swollen, then fillers are going to be your best friend. 

4. Reversibility 

Fashion and beauty trends change in the blink of an eye. Suddenly you find out that side parts aren’t cool anymore and you have to move yours to the middle. Things like hair parts, styles of jeans, hair ties, and makeup pallets are easy to change out in order to always be at the peak of fashion. However, if you have cheek implants and popping cheeks goes out of style, then you may be out of luck. Before getting a procedure, you should ask yourself: do I want this because it is in style or because I want to look this way? Your answer can help you determine if you want permanent results or temporary results. 

Have Questions? Contact Qazi Cosmetic Clinic to Learn More About Cheek Implants vs Fillers!