- With the growing range of dermal fillers now available, how often are you performing cheek, chin and/or temporal implants vs. filler injections?
Filler injections at the moment are much more common, because they are less expensive at first and done in the office. However implants are, over time, less expensive and permanent. Now that people are learning the limitations of fillers, there is an increasing demand for implants, which are a permanent solution. Surgeons have learned an enormous amount about implants and the technology of implant manufacture has made huge advances. These implants are in many ways, the ideal fillers for changing the shape and volume of the face.
- Are there specific patient groups or concerns that would lead you to select an implant rather than a filler or fat grafting to replace volume in the mid face or temples?
Yes. The issues are – risk, how much volume is needed, and whether or not filler has been disappointing.
Risk – we know the mid and upper face are a high risk area for fillers, fat injections especially. So for the temple and areas under the eye, I recommend implants at the start and off-the-shelf, absorbing fillers as a second option.
Volume – young people with slight changes may do well with fillers. However, with age or significant volume loss, I recommend implants.
Disappointing filler results – if fillers cost too much (meaning over time, since fillers are not permanent, the cost adds up), results are disappointing or the person is allergic to them, implants are needed. The manufacturers of fillers show amazing results in their before/after photos – and these results are real. But you may need 7 – 10 syringes of filler for these results, which is $5000 – $10,000 for filler lasting 9 – 24 months. So naturally for this kind of result, a permanent implant makes good sense.
- How do you secure the implant to ensure it stays in place? Are there any specific recovery instructions provided to patients to optimize outcomes?
Securing the implant depends on where it is placed. Temporal implants and most chin implants do not need fixation – the bone contour holds the implant in place. Cheek, jaw and mid-face implants usually need a tiny metal screw to keep them in place. After having implants, you are sore and swollen noticeably for about 5 days – and may be bruised.
- Are there specific materials (i.e., smooth v. textured or silicone v. Gortex) that you prefer for your facial implants?
We have a number of excellent implant manufacturers in the USA, but I prefer the smooth, soft silicone Implantech Contour implants. These implants can be lined with Gortex, but the main implant material is soft solid silicone.
- Are there any areas that you feel would benefit from a new facial implant or any implants on the horizon you are interested in learning more about?
We have an excellent range of facial implants today – and for unusual situations, custom implants are available. Custom implants are expensive but are computer-created using your own CT scan, making them very precise. So almost any problem can be addressed with our technology today.
In the video below, Dr. Morgan talks about facial implants and how they can help you.
https://vimeo.com/141420760