A cheek lift surgery targets sagging skin and loss of volume in the cheek area. These are signs of aging that often appear in the midface. The procedure lifts and tightens by repositioning cheek tissue, creating a natural, youthful appearance.
A cheek lift improves sagging skin around the jawline, smooths out smile lines and nasolabial folds, and restores fullness to cheeks that have hollowed with time.
If you’ve noticed the effects of the aging process in your lower face or under-eye area, this might be the right step. This guide explains each stage of the cheek lift procedure. You’ll learn what to expect from recovery and the results you can achieve.
How a Cheek Lift Rejuvenates Your Appearance
Here are seven specific effects that are pursued with these treatments.
- Lifted Cheeks
Over time, cheeks can sag, giving a tired look. The procedure raises the cheekbones by lifting underlying cheek tissue, giving you a fresh, awake look.
- Reduced Sagging
Sagging in the lower face, especially near the jawline, can create jowls. A cheek lift reduces sagging by elevating and repositioning soft tissue, smoothing the area, and creating a defined jawline.
- Enhanced Midface Contour
Cheek lift surgery improves the midface contour, bringing fullness back to the cheeks. This process creates a softer, more balanced shape in the cheeks. It restores volume and addresses the hollowing caused by age.
- Smoothing Smile Lines
Nasolabial folds, or smile lines, deepen as the skin loses elasticity. The cheek lift lifts the muscles and facial fascia, reducing lines and making them softer and less prominent.
- Under-Eye Rejuvenation
This procedure realigns facial tissue for a balanced look. Each side is lifted and carefully contoured. This creates symmetry and makes the face look more even and balanced.
- Minimally Invasive Results
The cheek lift is a targeted procedure often performed with small incisions along the hairline. This approach minimizes scarring and speeds recovery. It lets you enjoy results without visible signs of surgery.
Cheek Lift Procedure: Steps and Recovery
- Initial Consultation
It begins with an initial consultation with a board-certified plastic surgeon. They review your medical history and assess your facial structure. This helps them create a treatment plan tailored to your goals. This is where you’ll set realistic expectations of the outcome.
- Marking Incision Points
On the day of surgery, the surgeon marks minor incision points. These are typically hidden near the hairline or lower eyelid. This careful planning keeps scars minimal and well-concealed.
- Administering Anesthesia
Most cheek lifts are done with local anesthesia and sedation, which keeps you comfortable but awake. In some cases, general anesthesia may be used, especially for more extensive work. The approach depends on your specific needs and the surgical technique.
- Using Endoscopic or Traditional Techniques
Depending on the cheek lift type, the surgeon may use an endoscope. This small camera guides the procedure through tiny incisions. The method reduces tissue disruption, making recovery easier. In a traditional cheek lift, incisions are slightly larger. This allows direct access to cheek tissues while still achieving natural, lifted results.
- Repositioning Soft Tissue and Muscles
The surgeon then lifts and repositions cheek tissue, including fat pads and facial fascia. This step is key to restoring fullness and creating a natural contour.
- Suturing and Closing Incisions
Once the tissue is repositioned, the surgeon closes the incisions with small sutures. These are often placed carefully along the hairline or within natural skin folds. The sutures help the incisions heal with minimal visible scarring.
- Post-Op Observation
After surgery, there’s a brief observation period. Most cheek lifts are outpatient procedures, so patients typically go home the same day. You’ll receive aftercare instructions to guide your recovery and help reduce swelling.
Recovery and Healing
The recovery period varies depending on the technique used. For most patients, initial healing takes about two weeks. Swelling and bruising peak within the first few days and then gradually fade. Light activities are fine, but strenuous exercises should wait until cleared by your surgeon.
Post-op care includes keeping your head elevated and avoiding pressure on the cheek area. Apply ice as directed to help with swelling. Follow-up appointments ensure the healing process is on track and address any concerns. You can resume regular activities within a few weeks.
Comparing Cheek Lifts with Other Facial Rejuvenation Options
A cheek lift isn’t the only option for facial rejuvenation. Here’s how it compares with other standard procedures.
Cheek Lift vs. Traditional Facelift
A traditional facelift targets the entire lower face, including the neck and jowls. It’s effective for deeper lines and severe sagging. However, it involves larger incisions and a longer recovery time. A cheek lift, on the other hand, is a less invasive procedure and works on the midface alone. It provides focused results without extensive downtime.
Cheek Lift vs. Botox Cheek Lift
Botox injections provide a temporary lift by relaxing the muscles and smoothing out fine lines. This non-surgical option works for minor adjustments. However, it doesn’t address underlying tissues or volume loss. Botox can offer a subtle lift and reduce wrinkles. But it won’t create the structural changes a cheek lift can achieve. A cheek lift is ideal for long-lasting, structural rejuvenation.
Cheek Lift vs. Midface Lift
A midface lift is similar to a cheek lift but can target a slightly larger area, lifting both the cheeks and lower eyelid region. It’s particularly helpful for those experiencing hollowing under the eyes or drooping around the lower eyelids. A midface lift repositions soft tissue and fat pads, like a cheek lift. However, it may provide broader results across the midface.
Cheek Lift vs. Dermal Fillers
Dermal Fillers restore lost volume with hyaluronic acid-based injections. These are applied to the cheeks and surrounding areas. Fillers are a good option for adding fullness. However, they are temporary and don’t provide the lift of a cheek lift. Fillers work well for a quick boost with no downtime. For a lasting lift, though, a cheek lift is more effective.
A cheek lift sits between non-surgical options and a full facelift. It’s ideal for those focused on the cheek and midface area, with minimal impact on other parts of the face. The right approach depends on specific facial concerns. It also depends on the desired cheek lift results and how long they should last.
FAQs about Cheek Lift Surgery
Can a cheek lift be combined with other cosmetic procedures?
Yes, a cheek lift can be paired with other cosmetic surgeries, such as a neck lift or brow lift. Combining these procedures can enhance facial rejuvenation, addressing multiple areas in a surgical session.
How does a mid-facelift surgery differ from a cheek lift?
A mid-facelift procedure targets the cheeks and lower eyelid area, providing more comprehensive lifting. It’s designed to improve the midface, while a cheek lift focuses more specifically on lifting sagging cheeks and restoring volume.
Is eyelid surgery or blepharoplasty commonly done with a cheek lift?
Eyelid surgery, or blepharoplasty, is often combined with a cheek lift to brighten the eye area. This combination reduces under-eye hollows and tightens the upper lip region, enhancing the overall face balance.
Are fillers or surgical augmentation better for cheek volume?
Fillers offer quick, temporary augmentation by adding volume to the cheeks. Surgical augmentation through a cheek lift or mid-facelift surgery is more effective for longer-lasting results.
Contact the Jay Calvert Team to Explore your Options Today
A cheek lift is a step toward renewed confidence. With each lift and reposition, the contours of your face can regain their natural harmony.
Reach out to the Jay Calvert team for a consultation. Find expert insights to guide your decision. Book an appointment for an approach that aligns with your vision for a refreshed, youthful look!