Cheek lift

Cheek lift surgery is performed using three methods: prosthesis, endoscope, and endotine. These methods differ in their procedure and longevity. Before cheek lift surgery, a consultation with a specialist will determine if you are a suitable candidate. Generally, individuals with sagging cheeks, under-eye hollows, and good overall health are suitable candidates for this procedure. 

The cosmetic surgeon will first carefully assess your general health, facial structure, and expectations to determine if this procedure is right for you. Generally, you are a good candidate for cheek lift if you fall into one of the following categories:

• Your cheeks are sagging or heavy.
• You have puffy or hollow under-eye areas.
• You are in good physical and mental health.
• You have realistic expectations of the results.
• You are a non-smoker or can abstain from smoking for at least three to six weeks before and after the procedure.

Most candidates for cheek surgery using the lift method are over 40 to 50 years old, but more important than age is your current facial appearance and personal preference.

For cheek lift surgery, depending on the method used, you may be placed under general anesthesia or local anesthesia. In this surgery, incisions are made in the cheek area, and by lifting the tissues, the shape of the face is improved. 

The choice of the appropriate technique for this procedure depends on the degree of cheek sagging and the doctor’s diagnosis; it is also possible to perform a cheek lift simultaneously with eyebrow lift surgery This means you would have both cheek and temple lifts performed at the same time.

To reduce the side effects of cheek lift surgery and shorten the recovery period, it is necessary to consider the pre- and post-operative care points mentioned in the table below. 

After surgery, you can return to light activities such as office work after one week. However, note that swelling may persist for up to 6 weeks, and some individuals may experience sensitivity when chewing food.

Cheek lift, although a relatively safe surgery, like forehead lift, eyebrow lift, and other cosmetic surgeries, may have complications. These complications are usually temporary, and by following post-operative recommendations, the likelihood of their occurrence can be reduced. The most common complications of cheek lift surgery include:

• Temporary numbness in the cheek or under-eye area
•  Formation of hematoma or seroma (accumulation of blood or fluid) 
• Infection
• Hair loss around the incision
•  Asymmetry in the final result 

Regular follow-ups to monitor healing and suture removal after surgery are essential. If you experience severe bleeding, fever, unusual discharge, uncontrollable pain, or premature suture separation, contact your doctor immediately.

Non-surgical cheek lift methods, while non-invasive and requiring no recovery period, are not permanent and require touch-ups. Types of non-surgical cheek lifts include:

1. Thread lift: In this method, absorbable PDO threads are inserted into the cheeks to lift the skin and reduce wrinkles. This procedure is performed under local anesthesia and has minimal side effects. The longevity of a thread lift is 1 to 2 years, and it carries risks such as infection. 
2. Cheek lift with gel injection: In this method, volumizing gels such as Belotero and Juvederm, and other types, are injected to enhance the cheekbones. This procedure takes about 30-45 minutes and lasts 6 to 12 months. 
3. Cheek lift with fat injection: This method uses the body’s own fat to fill the cheeks. There is little risk of allergy in this method, provided the fat is extracted and prepared using standard techniques. About 70% of the injected fat remains, but there is a possibility of high fat absorption and the formation of fat lumps under the skin. However, acceptable and lasting results can be achieved.
4. Cheek lift with Ultherapy: This method uses ultrasound energy to produce collagen and tighten the skin. Ultherapy cheek lifts are used to address sagging skin in various areas, and the results last 6 to 12 months.

All these methods should be performed under the supervision of a specialist doctor and in consultation with a cosmetic surgeon. The biggest disadvantage of non-surgical cheek lifts is their lack of permanence. If you are looking for a permanent cheek lift, it is best to consult a doctor and consider surgical methods. 

Cheek lift is a cosmetic surgical procedure aimed at restoring youthfulness and prominence to the cheeks. This surgery is performed using prosthesis, endoscopic, or endotine methods. Individuals with sagging cheeks, hollow under-eyes, and over 40 years of age are suitable candidates for this procedure.

Before undergoing cheek lift surgery, consultation with a specialist is important to assess your general health and facial condition. In this regard, Dr. Ghorabi, a cosmetic surgeon, with his experience and expertise, after performing the necessary pre-operative tests and evaluating your face and cheeks, will suggest the best method to achieve your desired results.