When you look in the mirror as you get older, do you feel this way? It's not like it used to be, now your cheeks are a little lower, you have a sunken look under your eyes, and the lines that come from the sides of your nose and the corners of your mouth when you smile are deeper than before... This is a very normal thing that happens with age. So today we are going to talk about a special cosmetic surgery that corrects these changes in the middle of your face and gives you a fresh, youthful look. That's what it's called `Cheek Lift` or `(midface lift)`.
What exactly is a Cheek Lift?
Simply put, a `Cheek lift` is a cosmetic surgery that lifts and smooths your cheeks and the surrounding areas. As we age, the fat pads in our cheeks gradually sag. This causes the cheeks to lose their fullness, making the face look flatter and longer. This surgery works by lifting the sagging parts of the cheeks back to their original position.
Most importantly, this is different from a traditional facelift. A regular facelift targets the lower part of the face, such as the jawline and neck. A cheek lift specifically targets the middle part of the face, such as the cheeks and under the eyes.
This surgery is performed by plastic surgeons. Sometimes a small camera (endoscope) is used to perform this surgery. When this is done, it is also called an endoscopic midface lift. This method allows the surgery to be performed through very small incisions, rather than large incisions.
What are the results of this surgery?
If you too want to achieve a younger, smoother look for your face, you can consider this surgery. The main benefits of this are:
- Cheekbones are prominent: Lifting the cheeks gives the face a beautiful, full look.
- Reduction of smile lines: The deep wrinkles that run from the nose to the corners of the mouth (nasolabial folds) become smoother and less visible.
- Fuller look under the eyes: The sunken, hollow look under the eyes disappears and a healthy look is achieved.
But remember, this surgery does not treat sagging skin on the neck or the jowls. It is also not a solution for sagging eyebrows or eyelids. There are separate surgeries for that.
Who is this surgery best suited for?
A doctor will determine if you are suitable for a `Cheek Lift`. This may be a good option for someone with the following conditions:
| Characteristic / Requirement | Description |
|---|---|
| Sagging cheeks | If your cheeks feel heavy and droopy. |
| Under-eye appearance | If the skin under the eyes has a sunken, hollow appearance, or a bag-like appearance. |
| Good physical health | It is essential to stay healthy after surgery, without any medical conditions that could interfere with recovery. |
| Non-smoking | Smoking severely affects the healing process. You should completely abstain from smoking for 3-6 weeks before and 3-6 weeks after surgery. |
| Realistic expectations | It is very important to have a realistic understanding of the results of surgery. |
Deciding to have surgery like this should be a completely personal decision . It's important that it's a decision made for your own happiness, not under the influence of someone else.
How do you prepare before surgery?
When considering something like this, it's important to choose an experienced, qualified plastic surgeon. Meet with your doctor and discuss this. He or she will examine your health and discuss your mental preparedness and expectations.
Be sure to tell your doctor about any medications you are taking (including vitamins and herbal remedies) and any allergies you may have. Some medications, such as aspirin, may increase the risk of bleeding, so your doctor may advise you to stop or change them before surgery.
How the surgery is performed and afterwards
During a Cheek Lift, your surgeon lifts the malar fat pads that have drooped and tightens the skin by securing them in place with internal sutures. This is usually done under general anesthesia to prevent pain.
- Anesthesia methods: Either general anesthesia is used, which puts you completely asleep, or conscious sedation is used, which makes you conscious but not feel pain.
- Incision locations: The doctor will determine where to make the incisions based on the shape of your face. These incisions are usually made in inconspicuous places, such as near the hairline, around the ear, under the eyelids, or inside the mouth. This makes the scars less visible.
- Time: The entire surgery usually takes about two hours.
After surgery, the incisions will be covered with bandages. You may also have a small tube (drain) inserted to drain excess fluid or blood. You will be able to go home once the anesthesia wears off. However , you will need someone to drive you home and stay with you for the first 24 hours .
Risks and recovery time
As with any surgery, there are some risks involved, but these are very rare.
| Possible risks and side effects (Risks & Complications) | |
|---|---|
| Bruising and swelling (edema) | These usually subside within a few days. |
| Temporary numbness | It can be felt under the eyes and in the middle of the face. |
| Blood clot ``hematoma`` or fluid collection ``seroma`` | These can be removed by a doctor. |
| Infections | This can happen with any surgery, which is why it's important to keep it clean. |
The healing process
It usually takes about 7-10 days to heal, but this can vary from person to person.
- First few days: There may be some pain, swelling, and bruising. Ice application can help reduce this a lot.
- First week: The pain will be much less. You can use painkillers prescribed by your doctor.
- For two weeks: Avoid lifting heavy objects, bending, and running quickly. Turning your head quickly is also not good.
- Up to six weeks: There may be some swelling in the cheeks. You may also feel a little uncomfortable when eating.
It is very important to follow your doctor's instructions exactly for a quick and complete recovery.
When to see a doctor
Your doctor will give you a day to check your stitches and remove them. However, if you have any of the following symptoms , call your doctor immediately.
- If blood is coming through the bandage.
- If there is excessive swelling.
- Fever.
- If there is pus-like fluid coming from the wound.
- Unbearable pain.
- If the stitches break prematurely.
Take-Home Message
- A `Cheek Lift` is a cosmetic surgery that lifts the cheeks, which have become saggy with age, giving the face a younger, smoother appearance.
- The results are visible immediately and usually last for about 10 years.
- This is different from a traditional facelift. A cheek lift targets the middle part of the face.
- Healing usually takes a week to ten, and the scars fade away.
- This is a completely personal decision. It is essential to discuss all aspects with an experienced, qualified plastic surgeon before undergoing surgery.
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