Did you know that almost 18 million people undergo plastic surgery each year? Facelifts are one of the most common procedures that are seen in plastic surgery clinics.
A cheek lift is becoming a more popular option for those considering a facelift. While facial lifts have their own benefits, a cheek lift targets a higher area on your face where cheeks begin sagging. It can give you the results that you have been wanting and help you look more youthful and vibrant.
If you have an interest in learning more about a cheek lift in Atlanta, then keep reading on!
1. Is This a Facelift?
Technically, a cheek lift is a type of facelift. However, facelifts normally address sagging skin around the jaw and neck area. It can sharpen jaw lines and give a more youthful appearance.
Yet, many patients do not see the results they want in their cheeks, eyes, and nose regions. A cheek lift falls under the mid-facelift category.
Some of the best plastic surgeons are implementing this newer procedure in clinics. It hits deeper tissues under the cheeks. This allows the plastic surgeon a better opportunity of pulling up the muscles and tissues under the cheeks and nose and reattaches them just below the eye socket.
In plastic surgery, it is also becoming more common to combine the two different procedures. When deciding which one is best for you, talk to your plastic surgeon about addressing the areas you find problematic.
If the region encompasses the cheeks and upwards, then a mid-facelift might be a better option for you.
2. How Long Is a Cheek Lift in Atlanta?
A full facelift can take at least a few hours. A cheek lift usually takes around two hours, but this time can vary if you combine it with other procedures. Some surgical clinics claim that it can take as little as one hour.
Since the procedure takes place in an outpatient clinic, you won’t typically spend time overnight.
3. Prepping Before
You can always ask your plastic surgeon for a comprehensive list of things you should do before your surgery. In general, you can follow the guidelines that are used for facelift procedures since they operate similarly.
You should stop smoking, drinking, and taking anti-inflammation medication. If you take prescription medication, then be sure you talk to your doctor before you stop taking it.
Some surgeons might also give you specific facial creams that you use before the procedure.
4. Is This a Surgery?
Yes – this is considered a surgery and you will need anesthesia. Depending on the extent of the surgery, the medical team and surgeon might opt for local or IV anesthesia.
5. Cheek Lift Side Effects
The side effects of a cheek lift vary between people, but you should plan on some swelling and bruising for the first couple of days. Some people report that these symptoms last longer.
After approximately a week to a week and a half, your surgeon will typically remove your sutures. Before the removal of the stitches, you might have some drainage. This shouldn’t be concerning unless there are signs of infection.
This might include fever, excessive swelling, redness, and pain. Remember – this is a surgical procedure and some pain or discomfort is normal following the procedure.
6. Recovery Time
On average, facelifts – including mid-facelifts – take about two to four weeks for a full recovery. During this time, your plastic surgeon will suggest avoiding strenuous activity and exercise.
After a month, you should be fine in resuming normal activities. If you have persisting problems, you should consult with your plastic surgeon.
7. Who Can Get This Procedure?
A mid-facelift is a great option for anyone who notices sagging cheeks or wants a more youthful appearance. Typically, the average age for facelifts is middle-aged and onward.
It is also more commonly seen with women. However, a mid-facelift has increased in popularity with younger generations like those in their 30s and 40s. This procedure takes less time and can produce better results than facelifts at times.
If you are unsure if you are the right candidate for the procedure, then talk about your cosmetic options with your plastic surgeon.
8. Improves More Than Just Cheeks
One of the benefits of a cheek lift is that it helps for more areas than just hollowed or sagging cheeks. Typically, a reduction in fat pads leads to hollowed-out eyes.
A cheek lift and facial fat transfer can not only make your cheeks appear more full and youthful but reduce hollowed or puffy eyes. It also positively affects your nasolabial folds – the lines stemming from the corner of your nose to the sides of your mouth.
It softens these lines and gives your cheeks and face a more natural look. The benefits are lasting and target other problematic areas outside of just your cheeks.
9. Ultherapy vs Cheek Lift in Atlanta
Ultherapy is a new, FDA-approved non-invasive treatment that uses ultrasound waves. The treatment activates collagen production through ultrasound energy in the dermis and SMAS layers.
The SMAS is the layer targeted during facelifts. The goal behind Ultherapy is re-stimulating lagging collagen production that forms a natural tightening of the skin and facial features.
It is a great option for those who do not want a minimally invasive or invasive procedure. You will likely see more drastic and positive results through a facelift, but the Ultherapy technique is another great option for trying out.
Additionally, there isn’t any lag time compared to cheek lifts. You can resume any of your activities without restrictions. Side effects are also minimal.
You might notice redness and minor swelling a few hours after treatment.
10. Liquid Facelift
A cheek lift in Atlanta is not the same thing as a liquid facelift. A cheek or facelift requires surgery and incisions – it can also target deeper areas of your cheeks such as the SMAS.
Liquid facelifts are the nickname for injectable fillers. When used in larger amounts, these fillers can act as a minor facelift. These fillers use hyaluronic acid, which is a natural substance in your body.
When you inject hyaluronic acid into designated areas of your face, you can reduce wrinkles and fine lines. It can also make your skin and facial features appear more youthful.
These fillers have different purposes and a plastic surgeon can advise you on the correct choice for the areas on your face you are targeting. However, because fillers do not target the deeper layers, the results might not last as long. A filler cannot fully address the areas that create more lasting impressions like those seen with facelifts.
However, this is another non-surgical approach with minimal recovery time.
Cheek Lift in Atlanta
A cheek lift in Atlanta can give you back that youthful glow. It targets different structures than a typical facelift. Additionally, it works at redefining the tissues underneath your skin that define and shape your cheekbones, eyes, and nose.
Don’t wait any longer – give yourself back the appearance you have been searching for. Find the best plastic surgeon today by contacting us directly for a consultation.
