Dr. Jacono Discusses Custom Cheek Implants

Information about the best bespoke cheek implants in New York, NY

Dr. Jacono was recently featured in Town & Country Magazine to discuss the differences between fillers and implants. He also provided his expert opinion on the unfortunate phenomenon known as “filler fatigue.”

Facial Fillers: What They Are, and How They Work

In the last few years, facial plastic surgeons and dermatologists have noticed a steep rise in demand for injectables. Hyaluronic acid fillers are particularly of note. In fact, beauty influencers regularly tout their magical properties and the incredible changes they provide. Facial fillers’ staunchest proponents cite bigger lips, smoother skin, and carefully sculpted features.

“Hyaluronic acid fillers have seen a meteoric rise in popularity,” says Dr. Jacono. “If you use Instagram, you’ve probably heard of a few brand names: Juvéderm, Restylane, Belotero. They aren’t limited to small-time influencers, either. The Kardashians, for example, are open about their injectable use. The same goes for people like Kaley Cuoco, Katy Perry, and Anna Farris.”

At first listen, hyaluronic acid may sound like a harmful, synthetic chemical. Interestingly, however, it is a naturally occurring substance found in the body. It functions as a joint lubricant and also helps the skin flex and stretch. It can even reduce scarring and help wounds heal faster. When isolated and re-injected into specific areas, it can reduce deep lines and wrinkles. It can also add volume to dents, troughs, and other unsightly blemishes.  

Another main selling point of hyaluronic acid is that it is temporary. It only lasts between 9 and 12 months before maintenance is required. So, if a patient is not ready to undergo surgery, they have a more accessible, less committal option in fillers. What’s more, there is no downtime. Patients can visit their doctor on their lunch break and go right back to work after the treatment. “Some of my patients are reluctant to go under the knife,” says Dr. Jacono. “This makes sense. Surgery is more involved and has a longer recovery time. It can also cause swelling, so you won’t necessarily see results until a few weeks after treatment. Facial fillers can circumvent these complications.”

The Drawbacks

As advantageous as facial fillers may be, they aren’t a panacea. According to plastic surgeons like Dr. Jacono, their results, while impressive, aren’t nearly as dramatic as those of surgery. This is because they cannot manipulate underlying structures. Instead, they mask superficial problems without fixing their cause.

“Using facial fillers is like filling a balloon with air,” says Dr. Jacono. “You add volume to a space that doesn’t have it. As the compound gradually fades from the face, so does the volume. Everything goes back to the way it was before. Worse, if you use too much filler, the face can actually look older over time. This is because fillers stretch and loosen the skin when injected. They also weigh down tissue and can instigate jowling. You’ll, unfortunately, need more and more filler as time goes on to look better.”

Put more simply, fillers lose their effectiveness the more they are used. This complication is known as “filler fatigue.” Because of this, regular filler users typically become dissatisfied and end up getting surgery anyway.

To avoid filler fatigue, Dr. Jacono recommends getting surgery first. It not only lasts much longer but offers better, more consistent results. It also costs less in the long run, as facial filler costs quickly add up.

The Solution: Custom Implants?

Surgery may seem like a big step, but it is the best way to resolve the issues that fillers attempt to treat. To this end, Jacono recommends cheek implants.

Years ago, implants were one-size-fits-all. They were often too big, didn’t blend into the surrounding structure, and cast a strange shadow. These days, though, physicians have developed customized implants.

“Now, cheek implants act like part of your skeleton,” says Dr. Jacono. “There is no protrusion or awkward shifting as you age. The best part is that implants are permanent. They adhere to your facial structure and do not degrade over time.”

Some patients do begin with facial fillers and graduate to cheek implants. Others, like a 39-year-old patient of Dr. Jacono, decide to skip the fillers and immediately opt for surgery.

“I wanted to solve the problem fundamentally,” she says. “The implants lifted everything, gave me a chiseled face, and took away the hollows under my eyes. Custom is more expensive, but you don’t want to look like you’re from Star Trek.”

Slowly but surely, social media influencers are noticing that surgery is the best option. In July 2021, for example, Marc Jacobs announced that he had undergone a facelift with Dr. Jacono. He also posted recovery updates for a few weeks post-operative. In the wake of such openness, millions have become more candid about the things they’ve done to look better. After all, what is the shame in being proud of your appearance?

With so many ways to look better, why settle for anything less than the best?