A cheek lift is a popular subcategory of a facelift that focuses on the cheeks in order to make them more aesthetically pleasing. Below we cover the current top techniques for cheek lift surgery.
Top Techniques for Cheek Lift Surgery
A cheek lift is also medically known as a mid-face lift. This is because the surgeon’s energies are directed towards the mid-section of the face and the cheeks.
A cheek lift can provide the mid-section of the face with an injection of vitality and refinement that may have been subdued due to the passage of time.
If you’re considering receiving a mid-face lift and cheek augmentation, then take a look at this overview of the top types of cheek lift techniques.
Cheek Lift Basics
In general, the purpose of a cheek lift is to add definition and volume to the cheeks and middle facial region.
This can be expressed through a number of different surgeries. Many patients find cheek lifts to be exactly what they’re looking for in order to dull some of the effects of time on their appearance.
The reason that cheek lifts are so popular is because the cheeks are one of the first areas of the face to exhibit signs of aging. For this reason, patients oftentimes seek them out as their cheeks begin to sag and lose vivacity.
Cheek lifts are also known as Rhytidectomy. Within this umbrella term, there are a number of different sub-techniques that all have their own specialties. Below are some of the most popular techniques.
SMAS Imbrication
During a SMAS Imbrication, your physician will manipulate a section of the face known as the SMAS, or Superficial Musculoaponeurotic System.
If that sounds like a mouthful, then just know that it’s how the fleshy mass of the cheeks is referred to. During a SMAS imbrication, this fleshy mass is adjusted so that the patient’s appearance becomes more youthful looking.
This is achieved by manipulating this part of the face by rotating it towards another section of the cheeks known as the mastoid. Once this is achieved, the skin that was adjusted is re-draped over the exposed face and sutured.
A SMAS Imbrication is effective at satisfying patients who need deeper transformation performed on their face, as the procedure affects all of the muscles, tendons, and ligaments of that region of the body.
Minimal Access Cranial Suspension Lift
This type of cheek lift is fairly similar to the SMAS procedure but utilizes a type of suture known as a purse string suture to achieve a clear vertical tissue repositioning.
This type of procedure, also known as a MACS cheek-lift, is quickly becoming one of the more popular types of cheek-lift procedures.
Part of this is owed to the fact that compared to other types of facelifts, a MACS has a relatively low complication rate, along with being minimally invasive.
This means that it generally is considered a lower-risk procedure than some of the other major cheek-lift options.
This type of cheek lift is also considered to be particularly effective at reducing the presence of unattractive jowls.
Subciliary Midface Lift
In a Subciliary Midface Lift, an incision is made between the parts of the body known as the lacrimal punctum to the lateral canthus. This procedure is also known as a short-incision midface lift.
This incision allows the physician to manipulate the areas surrounding the eyes in order to create an enlivened and refreshed appearance around the eyes.
Subciliary Midface Lifts are also considered to be a subset of blepharoplasty, a type of surgery that affects the eyelids and surrounding areas.
By bringing the cheeks closer to the eyes, the physician can improve the appearance of both the midsection of the face, as well as the eyelid area.
A Subsidiary Midface Lift is also considered to be a relatively minimally invasive surgery. This makes it attractive to patients who might be a little nervous about undergoing a more intense surgical procedure.
Additionally, minimally invasive procedures have the added bonus of having a shorter recovery time. This means that you spend less time in the vulnerable post-surgical state.
Implant-Assisted Midface Lift
This is perhaps the simplest of the major methods involved in a cheek lift. During an Implant-Assisted Midface Lift, a doctor injects the patient’s cheek area with a dermal filler.
During an Implant Assisted Midface Lift, your physician injects your cheeks with a dermal filler of choice. This can offer almost instantaneous results, revivifying and adding definition to the cheeks.
Synthetic dermal fillers come in a variety of forms, some of which are better suited to certain types of results. Speaking with your physician will give you a better idea of what type of dermal filler is the right one for your situation.
Implants offer patients a lower cost and lower medically involved procedure that could be the right choice for a variety of patients. You may find that the results of dermal fillers are not quite as sophisticated or natural looking as some other options.
Determining Which Type Is Right for You
Which type of cheek lift you decide to go with will ultimately depend on a variety of different factors. Much will have to do with your own personal medical situation and specific aesthetic goals.
For some, simply receiving dermal fillers in the cheek area will be enough to satisfy their medical and personal goals. For others, the more serious SMAS Imbrication will be more appropriate.
You’ll be able to meet with your physician to determine which surgery is right for you prior to your actual operation. During this pre-surgical consultation, you’ll discuss all of the relevant details of your upcoming operation.
Possible Contraindications
For facelifts, the most common contraindication is the patient’s personal dissatisfaction with the operation. Putting your operation in the hands of a skilled physician can help lessen the possibility of that occurring.
Besides that, there are a number of possible issues that can arise as a result of your operation. These include things like:
- Bleeding
- Swelling
- Tiredness and Fatigue
- Scarring
- Reactions to general anesthesia
- Infection
People with chronic health issues or bleeding issues are more at risk for these things to develop. In your pre-surgical consultation, you’ll be able to discuss with your physician whether or not these types of issues fit your personal health profile.
On the same tip, following their instructions can ensure that you minimize these risks.
Preparing For Your Upcoming Operation
Because cheek lifts and other serious surgical procedures can be taxing on the body, it’s important to make the necessary preparations advised by your physician.
These preparations can vary in terms of how they are actualized. Much of it will depend on your personal medical situation.
Some very common steps to take in order to prepare for a cheek lift include:
- Smoking cessation
- Limiting your alcohol intake
- Adjusting your intake of certain medications and supplements
- Getting plenty of rest
- Eating healthy foods and staying hydrated
Generally speaking, these are the types of things that physicians request of their patients in the pre-surgical period.
The Pre-Surgical Consultation
Prior to your operation, you’ll convene with your doctor in a pre-surgical consultation.
This period of time is the best time for you to field whatever concerns or questions you might have regarding your upcoming operation.
In addition, your physician will go over some additional areas of interest that are of medical relevance for you during this period. This includes things like:
- Your personal medical history
- Your family’s medical history
- Any medications you are taking
- Any possible contraindications, which include smoking
- Your personal set of aesthetic goals for the operation
- Any possible alternatives
Overall, this is your time to make sure that you’re entering into your surgery as informed and prepared as possible. This will save you time and money in the long run.
Your Post-Surgical Period
Just as important as the pre-surgical period is preparing for your post-surgery period. During this period, you’ll be quite vulnerable. For this reason, it’s important to take steps to ensure that you’ll be as comfortable as possible.
Some of the things you can do to make sure that you’re comfortable during this period include:
- Preparing your home environment for minimal exertion
- Scheduling to take time off of school and work
- Making arrangements for pet and childcare
- Ensuring you have a light schedule
- Filling the house with the items that you’ll need
By taking these steps, you’ll ensure that your post-surgical recovery period goes as smoothly as possible. Down the line, you’ll thank yourself for taking the necessary steps to minimize the risk of complications.
LA’s Destination for Cheek Lifts
Taban MD Oculoplastic Surgery is one of LA’s Premier destinations for cheek lifts and plastic surgery in Los Angeles. If you’re interested in receiving this type of procedure, then take a visit to our website and schedule a consultation. You’ll find out why Dr. Ray is considered one of the best Oculoplastic Surgeons in Los Angeles. Visit to experience the top techniques for cheek lift surgery yourself.