Cheeklift wrong for acne scars

Brent Moelleken, MD answers: Cheek Lift for acne scars?

I am a 30 year old African American female. My acne is no longer a problem. However, I have several ice pick acne scars on my cheeks. I have received a suggestion of a Cheek Lift to decrease the appearance of my acne scars. What are your thoughts on this method? What additional suggestions do you have for my Fitzpatrick VI skin type? Thank you!


Brent Moelleken, MD
5 months ago

A cheeklift is distinctly the wrong procedure for acne scarring, in my opinion.

There are of course many types of cheeklift, but he cheeklift is not designed to tighten skin sufficiently to reduce acne scarring significantly.

Especially if it is performed at the expense of tightening the lower eyelid area, this would be a poor indication for a cheeklift.

The cheeklift through the lower eyelid (subciliary minimally invasive) is best for smoothening out the eye-cheek junction.

Cheeklifts performed through the temple and inside the mouth are best at bringing the cheekpad upward and out.

Radically performed cheeklifts have very high complication rates.

Facelifts and laser resurfacing are much better for tightening skin and reducing the appearance of acne scars.

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