Do I Need Cheek Implants Or A Cheek Lift?

Q: Dr. Eppley, my cheeks are very low and I would like them to be higher. When I pull upwards on them, my face looks better. That also helps soften the lines around my mouth. Will cheek implants create this effect or so I need some form of a facelift to get that look?

A:The question you are asking is an important one because there are clear differences between what cheek implants and a cheek lift achieve. Cheek implants are about creating a bony highlight for improved facial contours purposes. While there may be some cheek lifting effect, it will be relatively minor and one should not think of cheek implants as a soft tissue lifting method. (even though it can complement cheek or midface lifting surgery) A cheek lift is about lifting and resuspending sagging soft tissues that have fallen off of the cheek bone. This does create an effect sometimes similar to a cheek implant but it is more similar to what most patients thinik that a ‘facelift’ does in that area. This will help soften the nasolabial folds because it is pulling upward the soft tissues that lie above it. Based on your description, I suspect you would benefit more by a cheek lift than cheek implants. Whether that is a worthwhile surgery for you depends on numerous factors including your age, your cheek bone and lower eyelid anatomy and how much malar soft tissue ptosis you have.

Dr. Barry Eppley

Indianapolis, Indiana