Do I Need A Facelift To Restore MIdface Volume loss?

Q: Dr. Eppley,I have sliding genioplasty & abdominal liposuction booked tomorrow at a separate place.

HOWEVER—I just discovered infraorbital implants are a thing.

I’m guessing the ideal sequence for the loss of midface volume is:

1. Infraorbital/midface implant

2. Face-lift if needed

3. Fat grafts to face if needed

My questions are:

1. Should I skip the liposuction to preserve my native fat stores in case they’re needed for far grafts later?

2. Can I get a facelift before infraorbital/midface implants wothout compromising the end result?

3. If I get a lower face SMAS lift (chin area), can an upper face-lift still be done subsequently.

Thank you.

A:In looking at your pictures there are three things in which I am absolutely certain:

1) You do not need or would benefit by any form of fat grafting to your face.

2) The chin augmentation procedure, which you described as a sliding genioplasty is going to improve or resolve any submental concerns that you have. At best you might combine submental liposucton with the sliding genioplasty but you absolutely do not need any form of open necklift/tightening procedure.

3) You also do not need any form of a facelift either above the jawline or in the midface area. Face lifting in a young person like yourself has no value and does not have the ability to create improved facial definition or shape which is your real objective. This requires augmentation of the bony structure.

Here is what you need to remember when it comes to a young person seeking improved official definition… You can’t fat graft or lift your way into achieving that objective. These are flawed concepts but are commonly employed by plastic surgeons because it is what they know how to do. But such techniques are more applicable in the older facial rejuvenation patient who actually have lost volume and have tissue laxity and descent.

Dr. Barry Eppley

Plastic Surgeon