The cheek lift is a common procedure to provide a lift to the face. Overtime due to age, weight loss and gravity, our cheekbones can begin to sag, resulting in skin that looks old and tired. Dr. Critelli uses the minimally invasive endoscopy procedure to reposition the cheeks, resulting in a refreshed, youthful appearance.
Dr. Paul Critelli is a board-certified plastic surgeon who offers cheek lift surgery for patients desiring a mid-facelift. Age, weight loss and gravity are natural occurrences that can take a toll on the facial features. In some individuals, the cheekbones are especially affected. When this happens, the tissue attached to the cheekbones (known as the malar pad) droops, giving the appearance of a sunken mid-face. The sagging of the cheeks becomes emphasized as a person gets older, resulting in a look that is old and tired. A cheek lift provides a subtle lift to the mid-face, resulting in a smoother facial appearance. A common approach to correct this cosmetic issue has become less invasive with the trend of endoscopy.
About the Surgery
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.
During/After the Surgery
Cheek lift surgery is performed using general anesthesia. It is an outpatient procedure that lasts for about one to two hours at UT Health Tyler. Swelling and bruising are normal 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 six months for the final results to appear.
Expected Cost
Schedule an appointment for a customized consultation with Dr. Critelli to determine the cost of your procedure. Because this surgery is considered cosmetic, it is not covered by medical insurance.
FAQs
Non-invasive options?
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.
Lift or augmentation?
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.
How natural?
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.
Will there be scars?
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.