One of the unfortunate ways that aging takes a toll on the body is a loss of facial volume. As we age, volume decreases, the skin sags, and deeper wrinkles begin to take shape. All of this can lead a person to look even older than they really are. It can also make them look tired and unhealthy.

There are procedures our surgeons at Jefferson Facial Plastics can perform that can erase these signs of aging and make you look years younger. The two most common procedures to help restore a youthful appearance are facial implants and lipofilling, also known as fat grafting. While both help achieve the same goal, there are subtle differences to be aware of.

Facial Implants

Facial implants can be made out of a variety of material, like silicone. During the procedure, the implants are inserted into the area of the face that has lost volume. This includes the jawline, cheekbone, chin and the areas around the sides of the nose. The implants are placed under the skin, on top of the bone.

Fat Grafting

This procedure will take fat from a donor site, usually from the thighs, knees or stomach, and inject the fat into the areas of the face to help with contouring and giving the face a fuller look. Fat grafting is very similar to the use of dermal fillers. In fact, dermal fillers are often used to complement fat grafting as a way of “fine-tuning” the patient’s appearance.

Which Procedure Is Right For You?

While only one of our double board-certified plastic surgeons can decide what procedure will best fit your needs, there are some general guidelines that you should be aware of.

For example, lipofilling produces more subtle results and is a good choice for facial contouring. The only downside is that the body can absorb some of the fat used. Your plastic surgeon at Jefferson Facial Plastics will compensate for this by injecting more fat into the areas being treated.

Facial implants, on the other hand, are used in patients who may lack facial definition due to loss of facial volume as a result of aging or because of other abnormalities. Facial implants are a great choice for chin augmentation or to correct an undefined jaw.

Making The Decision

During your consultation with one of our plastic surgeons, you’ll discuss your concerns and goals for treatment. The doctor will examine your face and make his recommendation based on years of experience. He’ll also show you before/after pictures of previous patients who have undergone the same procedure so you know what kind of results to expect. Once the consultation is over and both you and the doctor are satisfied with the plan, the surgery will be scheduled.

Don’t Wait!

Call Jefferson Facial Plastics in Philadelphia today to schedule your initial consultation.