Cheek Lift
For several years, the lower face and jawline has been the focus of facial rejuvenation. In fact, the defining surgery for facial rejuvenation has always been a lower facelift, a procedure that improves the jowls and helps to define the jawline. More recently, however, the focus for many has shifted to the midface. A youthful midface is characterized by high, strong cheekbones that transition well with the lower eyelids. A youthful midface can help add definition and balance to the other facial features. It is also in the midface where many patients start to lose facial volume.
WHAT IS A CHEEK LIFT?
A liquid cheek lift is an procedure that enhances the appearance of the cheeks and midface. Materials most commonly used for these procedures are Juvederm and Restylane. Patients who seek cheek augmentation have a desire for more volume in their cheeks. By adding volume to the cheeks, the skin surrounding the midface is also tightened, often improving the nasolabial folds and jawline as well.Even with a modest amount of filler, the cheeks can have a noticeable improvement. And by adding volume to the midface, there are often other improvements noted as well. In many patients, the nasolabial folds and under eye area (tear trough) are improved as well. There is often visible improvement in the jawline and jowls, due to the increased facial volume. But the most impressive improvement usually occurs because of the emphasis on the midface and the cheeks.
WHO IS A GOOD CANDIDATE FOR A CHEEK LIFT?
Any individual who has lost facial volume may be a good candidate for a liquid cheek lift. Patients with underdeveloped cheeks who desire more cheek definition benefit as well. And while fat transfer procedures can help to restore volume, a liquid cheek lift offers a long-lasting alternative without the need for anesthesia.
CAN CHEEK FILLER CREATE A CONTOURED LOOK?
Cheek filler can create either a contoured look or an over-injected "fat face" look depending on the technique used, anatomic spaces filled, and volume injected. Sometimes filler can also create an over-contoured appearance with sharp features. I have developed my own technique to develop a soft contour by injecting specific areas of the cheekbone to maximize lift while maintaining a natural appearance. The choice of product depends on a patient’s particular anatomical needs and desires. Each filler has its own characteristic look in the cheeks and while these differences are subtle, selection of the appropriate filler for a given patient is extremely important to create the optimal result. The products I use for cheek augmentation include Juvederm Voluma & Restylane
HOW DO YOU AVOID UNNATURAL LOOKING CHEEKS?
Creating natural appearing cheeks requires artistry, good judgment, and excellent techniques M.D Aesthetics takes pride in creating natural appearing filler results.
HOW LONG DO THE RESULTS OF A CHEEK LIFT LAST?
The results of liquid cheek augmentation vary from patient to patient. However, in experienced hands, the results should last at least nine to twelve months, or even up to two years in some cases.
IS A CHEEK LIFT DIFFICULT TO PERFORM?
The midface is one of the more difficult areas to inject. Achieving consistent results requires an experienced injector and an expert understanding of facial anatomy. And to avoid complications, a careful injection technique is mandatory. So while there are a number of inexperienced injectors who attempt to address the midface, patients should understand the importance of an experienced injector.
WHAT IS THE EXPECTED RECOVERY AFTER A CHEEK LIFT?
Some minor swelling is expected, which usually resolves within a few days. A small percentage of patients will also develop minor bruising that can usually be covered with makeup. Patients should avoid exercise for twenty-four hours after the procedure to minimize swelling. Otherwise, patients can resume work and normal activities.
