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Making 2021 Your Year: Facial Implants VS. Fillers

Self-confidence is important in all areas of your life. As you set your resolutions for 2021, whether it’s eating a cleaner diet, moving more or perhaps striving for a promotion, we know it’s important to feel your best. Feeling confident in our own bodies can really help with our confidence overall - so you can take the first steps to achieve your goals. 

Here at Manchester Plastic Surgery, we often speak to patients who feel that they lack the confidence to take certain steps, whether that’s speaking up at work, meeting new people or making the most of social situations due to insecurities about their face or body. If you have areas of concern on your face -  whether it’s fine-lines or the shape of your jawline, facial fillers and implants are minimally invasive treatments which can be used to target areas of insecurity. Ensuring that you feel your best results in that all-important improved self-confidence, letting you reach for your goals and make 2021 your year. 

 

What are facial implants?

A facial implant is a small medical item, typically made of silicone, which is inserted beneath your skin to help give the treatment area a fuller appearance. 

Facial implants are most commonly used in the chin, cheeks, and jawline to enhance the natural bone structure, contour the face, and give a fuller appearance which can combat signs of ageing. 

Unlike facial fillers, a facial implant is a cosmetic surgery which requires us to make a discreet incision to insert the silicone implant. This treatment typically lasts between 1-3 hours, depending on the severity of your case and your treatment area(s). 

Oftentimes, chin implants are combined with a rhinoplasty to enhance the contour of the face and give a more refreshed and lifted appearance. 

 

What are facial fillers?

Facial fillers are made of various kinds of natural and synthetic materials which can be injected into the skin to restore a more youthful plumpness or draw attention to the angles of the face. Often, facial fillers are used to target signs of ageing, such as fine lines or wrinkles, giving an almost-instant result and a feeling of refreshed self-confidence.

The most common areas that we treat with dermal fillers are the nasolabial folds (between the mouth and nose), as well as the cheeks and chin, where they can be applied expertly to contour the face and replace volume loss associated with facial ageing.

Depending on the severity of your case, we can use a combination of two substances. To treat fine lines and wrinkles, we use temporary dermal fillers made from hyaluronic acid, a naturally occurring substance found in the spaces between the cells of the body tissues. Whereas for more deep-set lines, we use a filler made of crosslinked gelatinous hyaluronic acid and longer-acting semi-permanent products.

Deciding between facial fillers and implants can be difficult, and will depend on your specific circumstances. We suggest coming in to visit Mr Christopher Jones, our expert in all aspects of surgical and non-surgical facial rejuvenation, who can assess the areas that you are uncomfortable with and suggest the best combination of treatments for you. Nevertheless, there are a few differences between the two treatments which we have compared below, to help you in your research.

 

How long is the treatment?

Generally, our dermal filler appointments last between 30-40 minutes compared to a facial implant treatment which can take between 1-3 hours, depending on your treatment area(s).

 

How long will the results last?

The one big difference between dermal fillers and implants is the permanence of the results. While getting an implant is a single treatment which will leave you with permanent fullness in your required areas, dermal fillers are more temporary. The results of dermal fillers can last anywhere between six months to two years, and often require more than one treatment as the dermal filler is eventually broken down and absorbed by the body.

 

 

How long is the recovery?

Recovery from dermal fillers is usually only a couple of hours. Other than minor bruising and swelling which may occur, you can usually expect to see the final results after 48-72 hours providing you follow the correct aftercare instructions. In contrast, it can take longer to recover from a facial implant as it is a surgical treatment which requires general anaesthesia and a small incision to be made in the treatment area. Typically, you will see the final results of facial implants after three to six weeks once bruising and swelling has receded.

 

How we can help

Facial fillers and implants are both great options to help restore a plump and youthful appearance, targeting signs of ageing and enhancing the natural contours of the face. If you’re interested in either of these treatments, we recommend booking a consultation with our facial expert, Mr Jones, who will assess your areas of concern and suggest which method would be right for you, giving you an honest opinion on the treatments and the results you can expect to achieve. 

 

To book your consultation and start your journey to a confident and vibrant 2021, please complete the form below and we’ll be in touch. 

If you would like to learn more about this procedure or are interested in a consultation, fill out the form below or call us on 0161 523 8261