Gore-Tex vs silicone cheek implants?

Question

I have very flat cheeks. I want to get cheek implants but I have come across some surgeons who use gortex implants and some who use silicone. What the benefit of using gortex implants do they decrease in size over time ? I want something that will hold its volume forever and not age with me or get pulled down in later years (I'm only 26)

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

Volume and contouring of the cheeks can be created with well-placed fillers (Voluma, Radiesse, Bellafill, Contour) and Sculptra. Implants or fat are alternatives. Botox and radiofrequency can help slim and contour the jawline. Liposuction can help slim the face. Ultherapy, J Plasma and rf treatments can provide skin tightening and lift. I recommend getting a formal evaluation with a facial sculpting expert. Best, Dr. Emer

Jonathan Kulbersh, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. Facial implants are available in a variety of materials, such as silicone, elastomers, porous polyethylene, and Gore-Tex (ePTFE). Silicone implants are generally preferred because they are easy to customize to the ideal shape for each patient, and can also be easily removed at a later date should that be desired. However, all chin implant options are malleable and porous so that they can be held in place by soft tissue and grow into the existing bone while healing. I recommend scheduling an in-person consultation with an experienced, board-certified facial plastic surgeon who will answer any questions you may have and help you decide on the best option for you.

Alejo Villarreal, DDS · Answer

Unfortunately, silicon has been demonstrated to cause many issues as bone onlays and Gortex could be difficult to remove shall you ever decide to revise it. 
More importantly, whether you get a silicon or Gortex implant, you'd want to make sure you get a custom implant. You could have your implants made out of PEEK or UHMWPE instead. Both of these materials will last forever and will not lose volume. 
Please learn more about standard and custom implants before making such an important decision.

Gerald Wittenberg, MSc, DMD (retired) · Answer

Both materials work well. The Goretex is a more ideal material for tissue 'integration' but can be potentially more difficult to remove if you develop an infection in the future. The removal is straightforward, but the tissue is so thin in that area, that contour changes can occur more so than removing a Silastic implant. Generally, as well, many implants of Silastic are actually 'coated' with Goretex, so the implant may not be fully gortex.

Gore-Tex vs silicone cheek implants?

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Gore-Tex vs silicone cheek implants?

Answers (4)

Answer: Cheek implants

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Cheek Augmentation

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.