Over the years, there have been several cheek lift surgical techniques to restore the volume and shape of cheeks, which have been lost to the aging process. Seattle area plastic surgeon, Dr. Marosan, can contour the cheeks for a more youthful appearance through repositioning facial tissue or fat grafting. With tissue repositioning, a small incision is made so Dr. Marosan can go into the treatment area to suspend the tissue for a more lifted look. The cheeks can either be transformed during a facelift or in a separate procedure depending on the patient’s condition and goals.

With micro fat grafting, a small amount of fat can be removed from another part of the body like the abdomen or hips and injected into the cheeks for a natural look and feel. Since the patient's own fat is used, the body won't reject it. Regardless of the technique used, patients will benefit with more defined, sculpted cheeks for a younger-looking appearance.

Endoscopy is a popular method used to reposition sagging cheeks. Small incisions, less than an inch long, are placed near the ear or hairline. These incisions allow the surgeon to insert and utilize a tiny camera positioned at the end of a small tube. Once the inside of the cheek area is visible, the surgeon performs a repositioning and suturing technique of the malar pad just underneath the skin. With a subtle lift, volume is regained on the cheekbones, and the pockets below the eyes are also diminished. This technique takes pressure off of the nasolabial folds, or the laugh lines, which helps soften the lines around the mouth. This effort results in a refreshed, more youthful appearance.

Cheek lift surgery is performed using intravenous sedation anesthesia. It is an outpatient procedure that lasts for about 1 to 2 hours in our accredited surgical facility. Swelling and bruising are possible after the surgery. There will be a tight sensation around the face area, which eventually disappears as the reattached fat pad settles on its new position. Patients do not need to be anxious or worried that the results will appear fake or “plastic.” Skilled facial surgeons are able to create natural outcomes with beautiful results. Keep in mind it can take up to 6 months for the final results to appear.

Yes, an injectable filler is a great nonsurgical option that can offer nice results. While fillers are a good alternative, the results produced are not as dramatic as with surgery, nor will they last as long. In addition, if the patient is concerned with loose and sagging skin, a filler treatment is not ideal as it only adds volume and will not produce the lifted look a mid-face lift can effectively do. Fillers are good options to add volume and smoothen wrinkles. During the initial consultation, we will be able to recommend the best procedure for the patient’s case.

This clearly depends on the tissue volume present within the cheek area. A cheek lift is ideal for those with enough cheek volume, but repositioning is needed as the fat pad is already droopy, oftentimes caused by aging. A cheek augmentation or implant is recommended for those who do not have enough tissue underneath the cheeks to achieve better proportional facial features. 

It takes several months for optimal results from a cheek lift to show. Initially, the patient will have tight and pulling sensations on the face as the skin and tissues adjust to their new position. It is important to note that finding a surgeon with the necessary skill set is critical. A surgeon who specializes in facial cosmetic surgery understands the confines of the face so that any enhancement looks natural.

With endoscopy, scars will be minimal and inconspicuous since the incisions made are less than an inch. Sometimes, the incisions are concealed within the hairline or along the natural creases of the face. With a cheek lift, the sutures are underneath the skin in which the fat pad is attached to the bone where it will heal in its new position. Wound care instructions are provided to assist patients in the healing process.