When it comes to facial rejuvenation, a cheek lift – also known as a mid-facelift, has emerged as a popular procedure in restoring early midface ageing. The procedure aims to improve malar prominence (high cheekbones) by repositioning the malar fat pads, improving cheek bone support and tightening the deeper fascial layers of the midface.
What Causes Loss of Cheek Definition?
Understanding the anatomical causes leading to loss of youthful cheekbone definition is crucial in determining the appropriate approach to restore mid-face aesthetics, whether through surgical means like a cheek lift or non-surgical options
- Skeletal Support – Weak Cheekbone Structure
The prominence of your cheekbones, or malar bones, plays a significant role in cheek definition. With aging, there is a natural loss of bone density, leading to a diminished malar prominence, which can create a flat or sunken appearance. In some, they are born with naturally weaker cheekbone structure, and so experience much earlier midface aging in their late 20’s to 30’s.
- SMAS/Deep Fascial Laxity
The Superficial Musculo-Aponeurotic System (SMAS) is a key structural layer that supports the midface facial muscles and skin. Over time, gravity and loss of elasticity cause this deep fascial layer to become lax, causing the mid-face tissues to sag. This sagging contributes to loss of cheek support, deepening of the nasolabial folds, and a generally aged appearance.
- Facial Fat Loss & Malar Fat Pad Descent
Aging and significant weight loss can lead to a reduction in facial fat, particularly in the malar fat pad. This fat pad provides fullness to the cheeks. As it descends due to gravity and loss of volume, it exacerbates the hollowing under the eyes and accentuates the nasolabial folds.
Does a Cheek Lift Include a Lower Eyelid Blepharoplasty?
The lower eyelid and cheek are anatomical and aesthetically connected each other and need to be corrected in harmony to achieve comprehensive rejuvenation of the midface region. In youth, the lower eyelid is short, with a gentle transition to fuller cheeks; ageing reverses this, leading to an elongation of the lower eyelid, with an abrupt transition to a shorter and flattened cheeks.
So, by combining a mid-facelift with lower blepharoplasty (eyelid surgery), the procedure offers the following benefits:
- Shortening the Lower Eyelid: A cheek lift can help shorten the appearance of an elongated lower eyelid, by elevating the cheek tissues and shorten the of the lower eyelid.
- Reducing Fat Herniation: Lower eyelid blepharoplasty addresses fat herniation or ‘bags’ under the eyes, creating a smooth transition between the lower eyelid and the cheek.
- Improving Lower Eyelid/Cheek Contour: Together, they smooth the transition between the lower eyelid and the cheek
Do Non-Surgical Options Work?
While non-surgical treatments may provide temporary improvement, they cannot achieve the same level of results as a surgical mid-facelift. Common non-surgical options include:
- Injectables: They can add volume and stimulate collagen production to the cheeks and lower eyelids, to smooth out wrinkles. While effective, results are temporary and require regular maintenance.
- Threads: Thread lifts use dissolvable sutures to lift sagging skin. They can temporarily provide mild lifting effect but are not recommended by Dr Turner.
- Skin Tightening Devices: Technologies like ultrasound or radiofrequency aim to stimulate collagen production and tighten the skin. These treatments can improve minor skin laxity but do not address deeper structural issues like SMAS laxity or significant volume loss.
While non-surgical options can offer improvements, they often cannot replicate the comprehensive and lasting results of a surgical cheek lift, especially in cases with pronounced aging changes.
Men vs. Women Cheek Contours
Cheek aesthetics differ between men and women, influencing the approach to enhancing cheek contours.
- Women: Typically desire high, prominent cheekbones with fuller cheeks, which are associated with femininity. Surgical options like high SMAS facelift and facial fat grafting can enhance malar prominence and restore volume.
- Men: Often prefer a more angular facial structure. While volume restoration might be necessary due to aging, the goal is usually to enhance definition without adding excessive fullness. Options include cheek implants designed to accentuate the cheekbones subtly.
Customized treatment plans are essential to address the unique anatomical differences and aesthetic goals of men and women, ensuring natural and satisfactory outcomes.
How Do I Know if I Need a Cheek Lift or a Facelift?
Determining whether a cheek lift or a facelift is appropriate depends on the areas of concern and the degree of facial ageing.
- Cheek Lift (Mid-Facelift): Focuses on the midface region only – addressing flat cheeks, hollow under-eyes, and deep nasolabial folds.
- Mini Facelift (Short Scar): A mini facelift addresses early signs of aging in both the mid-face and lower face (jawline). The choice depends on whether the primary concern is the midface or both mid and lower face.
- Full Deep Plane Facelift: Recommended when there is significant sagging in the mid, lower face and neck regions. This comprehensive procedure providing more dramatic and long-lasting result for those more advance ageing changes.
Consulting with Dr Turner Specialist Plastic Surgeon is crucial to assess facial anatomy and ageing changes to recommend the most appropriate procedure.
Can I Combine a Cheek Lift with Other Procedures?
Yes, combining a cheek lift with other facial rejuvenation procedures can enhance overall results and provide a more harmonious appearance.
- Ponytail Facelift: Addressing the upper face by lifting the brows and removing excess upper eyelid skin complements the effects of a cheek lift. The Ponytail Facelift refers to techniques that provide a lift resembling the effect of pulling hair back into a ponytail, rejuvenating the upper and midface regions.
- Upper Lip Lift: Aging can cause the upper lip to lengthen and thin. An upper lip lift shortens the distance between the nose and the upper lip, enhancing the balance between the midface and lips.
How is a Cheek Lift Performed?
Mid-facelift surgery is always performed under general anaesthesia in a fully accredited hospital with the assistance of a qualified anaesthetist. Depending on the complexity of the procedure it may take 2 to 3 hours, and patients can be discharged home the same day.
A cheek lift is a highly customizable procedure tailored to address the specific anatomical causes leading to loss of cheek definition.
- Cheek Augmentation (Implants): Cheek implants can be placed over the cheekbones to enhance skeletal support, increasing malar prominence.
- Volume Augmentation (Facial Fat Transfer): Fat is harvested from another body area and injected into the cheeks to restore lost volume and fullness.
- SMAS Lifting (High SMAS Lift): The SMAS layer is tightened and repositioned to lift sagging tissues, reducing laxity and improving cheek contours.
- Deep Lifting (Concentric Malar Lift): Focuses on lifting the deeper structures of the cheek, including the malar fat pad.
Incision Locations:
- Lower Eyelids: Incisions made just below the lower lash line or inside the lower eyelid (transconjunctival approach) allow access to the midface tissues.
- Pretrichial / Ear Contours: Incisions around the ear or within the hairline (short scar mini facelift or ponytail facelift pattern) provide access for lifting and repositioning facial tissues with minimal visible scarring.
Recovery After Cheek Lift
Recovery from a short scar facelift is a gradual process, with initial swelling and bruising subsiding within the first few weeks. Most patients can resume regular activities in two weeks, though complete healing and final results may take a few months.
Dr. Turner offers personalized post-operative care, emphasizing the importance of following instructions to manage discomfort, minimize swelling, and ensure smooth recovery. Patients are advised to avoid strenuous activities and heavy lifting during the early stages. Following all post-operative care, including protecting the skin from sun exposure, is vital to prevent complications and achieve lasting results.
Risks and Complications of Cheek Lift
Like any surgical procedure, short scar facelift carries certain risks and potential complications. It is important for patients to be fully aware of these before deciding to undergo surgery. Dr. Turner will discuss them in detail during your consultation, ensuring you have realistic expectations and a clear understanding of the potential outcomes.
Common risks include infection, bleeding, scarring, and temporary numbness or swelling, which typically subside during recovery. Less common but possible complications involve nerve damage, which could affect facial sensation or movement, and reactions to anaesthesia. Rarely, patients may experience hair loss at incision sites, skin discoloration, or delayed wound healing, leading to more noticeable scarring. Adhering to post-operative care instructions is essential for minimizing complications and ensuring a smooth recovery.
Next Steps
If you’re concerned about flat cheeks, scheduling a consultation with Dr. Turner, a specialist in facial aesthetics, is the first step. Dr. Turner is dedicated to helping you achieve your aesthetic goals with personalized care and expert advice.
- Schedule a Consultation: Contact us at 1300 437758 or visit drturner.com.au to book your appointment.
- Prepare for Surgery: Follow any preoperative guidelines provided, such as avoiding certain medications and arranging for post-surgery care.
- Plan for Recovery: Set aside time for rest and healing and arrange for assistance during your initial recovery phase if needed.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Consult with a qualified healthcare professional to determine the best treatment options for your individual needs.