Cheek Lift (Rhytidectomy)
Cheek Lift (Rhytidectomy)
New York Cheek Lift & Midface Lift
High, rosy, full cheeks are the mark of youthful beauty. But as we age, fat stores are depleted and can descend from their natural position. This loss of cheek volume, together with shifting contours in the midface region, can bring about unwanted changes in facial harmony. When the midface descends, it can make the area under the eyes appear shadowed or hollowed. Jowls may form under the cheeks, and nasolabial folds (laugh lines) around the nose and mouth can become more prominent. A cheek lift, or midface lift, can reduce many of these signs of aging, while restoring youthful fullness and natural contours. A variety of techniques may be used, ranging from minimally invasive cheek augmentation with dermal fillers, to autologous fat grafting, to surgical lifting and sculpting of the underlying soft tissue. The midface lift (rhytidectomy) is a sophisticated surgical approach offered by the most skilled plastic surgeons with advanced aesthetic training. By targeting changes in the midface region, this procedure can produce remarkable overall facial rejuvenation.*
| WHAT CAN A CHEEK LIFT (MIDFACE LIFT) DO FOR ME?* |
| Restore cheeks to high, full, and youthful looking position |
| Reduce the appearance of cheek “jowls” |
| Soften nasolabial folds (laugh lines) between the nose and mouth |
| Improve overall facial contours and balance |
| Revolumize soft tissue in the cheek bone area |
| Reduce the signs of aging in the midface |
Who is a good candidate for cheek lift (midface lift) surgery?
People with a loss of fullness in the cheek area, prominent smile lines, and a tired or aged appearance in the midface may be good candidates for this procedure. Dr. Levine will meet with you to discuss whether you are a good candidate for cheek lift surgery.| CHEEK LIFT (MIDFACE LIFT) AT A GLANCE | ||
| Procedure* | Recovery* | Post-Op Care* |
| Performed in our accredited in-office surgical facility | Go home same day |
Sutures will dissolve on their own |
| Surgery time approximately 3 hours | Back to work in 1-2 weeks | |
| Twilight or general anesthesia | Light cardio exercise in 7-10 days | |
| More strenuous exercise in 3 weeks | ||
Can cheek lift (midface lift) surgery be combined with other procedures?
Yes. A cheek lift is often combined with cheek augmentation to achieve substantial results. Cheek lift surgery may also be combined with other cosmetic procedures, such as facelift, neck lift, eyelid surgery, and browlift. Dr. Levine will discuss with you what procedures or combination of procedures may best suit your specific needs.
How is cheek lift (midface lift) surgery performed?
Cheek lift surgery may include surgical repositioning of the soft tissue in the midface, cheek augmentation with fat grafting or dermal fillers, or a combination of both. Dr. Levine uses a variety of advanced surgical techniques for cheek lift surgery. The technique used will depend on the particular anatomy and needs of each patient. Incisions may be made through the lower eyelids, in the temporal scalp, or in front of the ears and sideburns in order to access the underlying facial structure of the superficial musculoaponeurotic system (SMAS). Soft tissue is sculpted and lifted to a higher, more youthful position. Muscles may be tightened, and excess skin may be removed. Skin is re-draped in youthful contours that are firm and natural looking, not over tightened.* Fat grafting or dermal fillers may be used in conjunction with surgery in order to revolumize the cheeks. Dr. Levine will discuss with you which techniques will best suit your specific needs.
How can I prepare for cheek lift (midface lift) surgery?
During your initial consultation, Dr. Levine will examine your facial structure to evaluate the bony and soft tissue architecture, the skin type and quality, as well as the overall facial balance. He will thoroughly discuss your goals and expectations, including possible risks and the best way to prepare for your surgery. He will let you know what to expect before, during, and after your procedure, and he will answer any questions that you may have.
What type of anesthesia will be used?
We recommend twilight or general anesthesia for cheek lift surgery. You will discuss your procedure thoroughly with both Dr. Levine and our board-certified anesthesiologist to determine the best type of anesthesia for your needs.
What should I expect during cheek lift (midface lift) surgery?
Cheek lift surgery is performed on an outpatient basis in our state-of-the-art, in-office operating suite, which is accredited by the American Association for Accreditation of Ambulatory Surgery Facilities (AAAASF). The length of your procedure will depend on many factors, but on average, the procedure usually takes about 3 hours.* After your procedure, you will wake up in our warm and caring recovery suite, where our licensed, registered nurse will make sure you are comfortable and assist in your recovery. You will be able to go home the same day with a friend or family member.
What can I expect after cheek lift (midface lift) surgery?
Every surgery is different, and you will receive detailed post-operative instructions for your specific needs. In general, you may expect to have mild to moderate swelling for 1 week after your procedure. Cold compresses can help alleviate the swelling. Most patients report mild to moderate pain after the surgery, which is usually well-tolerated with medications.* At Plastic Surgery & Dermatology of NYC, our concern for you doesn’t end when you go home. We’re dedicated to providing ongoing care to ensure a fast, safe, and smooth recovery. Dr. Levine will see you for post-operative visits, and he and our staff stand ready to answer any questions you may have about your recovery, as well as your overall health and well-being.
Is there anything I can do before and after my procedure to maximize results?
One of the many wonderful qualities that sets us apart at Plastic Surgery & Dermatology of NYC is our ability to use a multidisciplinary approach to optimize results. With expertise in both plastic surgery and dermatology, Dr. Elie Levine and Dr. Jody Levine work together to help prepare, protect, and treat the skin before, during, and after your procedure. As one of New York’s leading dermatologists, Dr. Jody Levine will customize a skincare regimen that includes pre-surgical measures to optimize your skin, as well as post-surgical skincare that can help prevent irritation, alleviate bruising and inflammation, and promote faster healing. Unlike other practices, we include these unique pre- and post-surgery skincare packages as part of your surgical plan. Our pre-surgery facials and microdermabrasion treatments help prepare your skin for surgery and ensure the best recuperation. Post-operative packages include lymphatic massage with our skilled medical aesthetician in order to enhance circulation, support healing and improved immunity function, and leave the skin looking radiant and healthy. With our extensive array of lasers, we are able to provide post-surgical laser treatments to best accelerate your healing. The Drs. Levine will be happy to discuss with you the best skincare approach for your specific needs.
Is there a minimally invasive option for cheek lift (midface lift) surgery?
Yes. We offer FaceTite™ to tighten drooping cheeks and improve skin structure. This minimally invasive procedure utilizes radio frequency energy to achieve substantial skin tightening results with less downtime than traditional cheek lift surgery.* The FaceTite™ machine can firm the initial layers of your skin and stimulate the production of subsurface collagen to enhance skin structure. Dr. Levine can determine if FaceTite™ is right for you during your cheek lift consultation.
