Can A Cheek Lift Be Done With Existing Cheek Implants?

Q: Dr. Eppley, I have a few questions regarding the cheek lift:

1) Will it be done through the lower eyelid incision?

2) Are the results permanent? If so, how exactly will the tissue be resuspended?

3) Will my current cheek implants cause any problems when doing the cheek lift?

A: In answer your cheek lifting questions:

1) The most effective cheek lifts are done through a lower eyelid incision as that provides a true vertical cheek lifting vector.

2) No facial lifting procedure is ever permanent as no one beats aging and the effects of gravity. It is only a question of how long any type of facial lifting procedure lasts.

3) Cheeklifts are suspended to the lateral orbital rim through either transosseous holes or microscrew/bone anchor fixation.

4) Indwelling cheek implants do not pose a hindrance for doing a cheek lift, and to some degree, are an asset as they provide a ‘shelf’ onto which the lift tissue can sit.

Dr. Barry Eppley
Indianapolis, Indiana