Mid face Lift/cheek lift
A mid-face lift, also called a cheek lift, addresses one of the earliest signs of aging – sagging of the cheeks and the surrounding area. For many, the traditional facelift may not fully treat the upper cheek and lower eyelid areas of the face, which often flatten and lengthen with age.
A cheek lift elevates the fat pad in the cheek (called the malar fat pad), providing fullness to the eyes and cheeks – leading to a refreshed, rejuvenated look. Results are more permanent than those offered by injectables, and recovery from a mid-face lift is quicker than a traditional facelift.
- Cheek lift candidates
A mid-face lift is a highly individualized procedure. Good candidates for a mid-face lift include:
- Individuals with heaviness below the cheeks
- Individuals with hollowness beneath the eyes
- Healthy individuals who do not have medical conditions that can impair healing or increase risk of surgery
- Individuals with a positive outlook and specific, but realistic goals in mind for the improvement of their appearance.
- How do I prepare for a mid-face lift/cheek lift?
Preparing for your procedure may include:
- Lab testing or a medical evaluation
- Taking certain medications or adjusting your current medications
- Stopping smoking well in advance of surgery
- Avoiding aspirin, anti-inflammatory drugs and herbal supplements due to increased risk of bleeding.
- Mid-face lift/cheek lift results
A mid-face lift can dramatically change your appearance. While your results will be immediate, the cheek pad may look "overcorrected," but, over time, the cheek settles into a natural position. To maintain your results, it is important to follow up with your cosmetic surgeon, as well as being mindful of life-long sun protection.
- Neck lift recovery
A cheek lift is performed under general anesthesia or conscious sedation and is performed as an outpatient procedure . Recovery usually takes seven to 10 days, with most patients requiring only a week off from work or other regular activities. Minimal bruising and swelling after the procedure is eased by using ice for the first 24 to 48 hours.
Because your surgery will be completed as an outpatient, please make certain to bring someone with you to drive you home and stay with you for at least 24 hours following surgery.
- Mid-face lift/cheek lift risks and safety information
The decision to have a cheek lift is extremely personal. You will have to decide if the benefits will achieve your goals, and if the risks and potential complications of a neck lift are acceptable.
All surgical procedures carry some risk. Possible complications from a mid-face lift include:
- Swelling and bruising
- Temporary numbness under the eyes
- Temporary muscles numbness when moving the middle portion of the face
- Blood clots (rare)
- Hematoma (blood under the skin) or seroma (fluid under the skin)
- Infection
- Hair loss along the incision
- Healing problems.
You will be asked to sign consent forms to ensure that you fully understand the procedure and any risks and potential complications.
